Portsmouth injury news: Brand new Conor Shaughnessy update emerges
Portsmouth defender Conor Shaughnessy is not yet at 100 per cent fitness despite making his first-team return, according to Dr Rajpal Brar.
The injury expert claims that Pompey planned to give him 45 minutes against Sheffield Wednesday and stuck to it, which is the right thing to do.
Before that game, he played the three minutes against Watford – his first minutes since 11 February.
Shaughnessy does not face long-term injury risks
Portsmouth are understood to be planning out the 28-year-old’s minutes as he looks to return to full fitness.
However, with just one more game left, it’s advisable for Pompey not to start the Irishman.
Discussing his situation exclusively with Portsmouth News, Dr Brar, a doctor in physical therapy and a sports scientist, said: “The fact that the club planned his sub after 45+ bounce minutes and stuck to them is a very good sign for reducing his long-term risks.
“They’re doing exactly what they should be in planning out his minutes.
“I do not see any long-term risks if they continue to follow this process but I still don’t think he is ready to start.“
Portsmouth have no reason to rush Shaughnessy into extra minutes
Shaughnessy’s recent return from injury at Portsmouth, who are safe from relegation with nothing significant to play for, warrants a cautious approach to his reintegration.
The 27-year-old centre-back, a key figure in Pompey’s promotion last season, has been sidelined by a calf injury, missing crucial matches.
| Conor Shaughnessy | Rob Atkinson | |
| 8 | Appearances | 13 |
| 6 | Starts | 12 |
| 454 | Minutes played | 1,011 |
| 3 | Clean sheets | 3 |
| 1 | Goals | 2 |
| 0 | Assists | 1 |
With the team mid-table and no promotion or relegation at stake, John Mousinho should prioritise Shaughnessy’s long-term fitness over rushing him back for meaningless games.
Easing him in with limited minutes, perhaps as a substitute or in low-stakes fixtures, minimises the risk of re-injury, preserving his availability for the 2025/26 campaign.
His physicality and ball-playing ability are vital to Portsmouth’s defensive structure, and a fully fit Shaughnessy could anchor the backline for a potential promotion push next season.
The medical team should focus on tailored rehabilitation, ensuring his recovery is complete.