John Mousinho shares triple Portsmouth injury update after win v Watford
Portsmouth secured their Championship status for another season after they defeated Watford 1-0 at Fratton Park on Saturday.
A 25th-minute goal from Colby Bishop was enough to secure all three points for John Mousinho’s side, with Keben Biakolo receiving a red card for the visitors.
The result means that Pompey sit in 16th position in the table but crucially have a six-point cushion on the relegation zone with two games to go, while the fact Derby County still have to play Hull City means they are safe from the drop.
However, there is a slighty concern for Mousinho with Jordan Williams, Josh Murphy, and Bishop all limping off with injuries during the encounter.
Mousinho provides injury updates on Portsmouth trio
Pompey’s boss was in a buoyant mood after the victory over the Hornets, with Portsmouth avoiding relegation in their first season back in the Championship.
In a game that had several stoppages during the second half, Williams, Murphy, and Bishop all had to be withdrawn.
From what the manager has said, it seems that Williams will face some time on the sidelines, while the outlook is brighter for Murphy and Bishop.
Speaking on Portsmouth’s official website, Mousinho said: “Jordan hurt his hamstring and it’s obviously not good for him, but Josh just took a whack and Colby had cramped up because he emptied the tank.
“We had quite a few players who were absolutely dead on their feet by the end and he was certainly one of them.”
Although Portsmouth will not want to lose their best players due to injury, they have come at a good time considering the club have secured survival.
Portsmouth must strengthen in the summer window
Mousinho can be proud of what his team has achieved this season, considering it is their first season back in the Championship since 2012.
Out of the three promoted clubs from League One, Pompey are the highest in the league table, with Oxford United and Derby County still fighting for survival.
Although the South Coast side have a strong cohort of players, they will need to bolster their squad if they are to improve.
Goals have not been an issue, with Portsmouth currently ranked 10th for goals scored. Bishop and fellow forward Callum Lang already have 21 goals between them.
| Portsmouth’s top scorers this season in all competitions | Goals scored |
| Colby Bishop | 11 |
| Callum Lang | 10 |
| Josh Murphy | 7 |
| Matt Ritchie | 5 |
It is in defence, however, where Mousinho’s men must improve as they have conceded 69 league goals – only Plymouth Argyle have conceded more.
Some heavy Portsmouth defeats against the likes of Stoke City, West Brom, and Derby County stand out, with Pompey conceding four or more in those encounters.
Overall, Portsmouth must be pleased with what they have achieved this season and will be riding a wave of joy over their final two games.
While they will not want to be without their key players for the remaining matches, the primary focus will be getting them back to full fitness.