Credit: Imago

Carla Devine

Fri 18 April 2025 11:13, UK

Portsmouth take a trip to Norwich City on Friday as John Mousinho looks to guide his side closer to Championship survival.

Pompey’s continuous inconsistent form has left them sitting 19th in the Championship table, four points clear of the drop zone.

Rob Atkinson marked his return from injury on Saturday with three goals, one of which was in his own net, but gained his side a late point in the 91st minute.

Norwich may sit thirteenth in the table but they are firmly safe while also 10 points from the play-offs, meaning there is nothing to play for at Carrow Road, potentially giving Mousinho’s men an easier task.

The Canaries also come into the clash without a win in three games, showing Pompey there is a big opportunity to gain ground in their fight against relegation.

Mousinho struggles with injuries

Mousinho hasn’t been particularly lucky with injuries throughout the season so far, and, as a result, the starting line-up has often varied.

The boss was boosted by the return of Atkinson, who will no doubt be raring to go in the final weeks of the season and play his part in the campaign to stay up.

Thomas Waddingham was missing from the squad to take on Derby due to a hamstring injury, keeping him sidelined.

It’s not yet known whether he will be fit enough to be part of the squad for the trip to Carrow Road, but he has not been ruled out of the clash.

Conor Shaughnessy will miss the game against Norwich but could be available again next Saturday (26 April) for a trip to Sheffield Wednesday.

The remainder of the names on the injury list at Fratton Park have no question marks over their fitness though, with several squad members out for the season.

Since signing for Pompey after the winter transfer window, Alexander Milosevic is yet to make his debut in blue and it looks extermley unliekly to happen after he tore his calf in training which could rule him out for the season.

Paddy Lane, Callum Lang, Hayden Matthews, Jacob Farrell and Ibane Bowat have all been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering from injuries at various points throughout the campaign.

Johannes Hoff Thorup facing issues at Norwich

The good news for Portsmouth is that opponents Norwich are also facing their fair share of injury issues too which could have an impact on Friday’s game.

Ante Crnac picked up an injury against Plymouth on 5 April, and after missing his side’s loss against Burnley, he is expected to miss out against Portsmouth too.

Callum Doyle and Lungi Sorensen have both missed games for their side of late although could be in contention today if fit enough.

Onel Hernandez has missed the last two games for the Canaries becasue of activity on social media. The issue is said to be resolved meaning Norwich could turn to the 32-year-old for this game.

Ben Chrisene, Gabriel Forsyth, Lewis Dobbin and Lucien Mahovo have all been ruled out until the end of the season.

It could lead to a massive 16 players missing out in total.