Mousinho confirms Bishop news all Portsmouth fans dreaded – ‘Oh Dear’
Colby Bishop was crucial as Portsmouth managed to race away from the Championship relegation scrap last season.
Bishop has become a fan favourite on the south coast after he battled through heart surgery to return to the squad and scored 11 goals.
The striker was absent for Pompey‘s final pre-season friendly against Zwolle on Saturday (2 August), with supporters worried that he was set for a move away after recent links.
Bishop ‘doubtful’ for Oxford opener
Portsmouth will travel to Oxford in their 2025/26 Championship opener.
The Blues look well prepared, having really boosted their midfield in recent weeks, with Luke Le Roux and Mark Kosznovszky joining Mousinho’s side.
However, it is not all good news for Pompey fans, with Bishop’s absence from their friendly now being explained.
- Bishop was named as Portsmouth’s Player of the Season at the end of the 2022/23 season
- Ahead of the 2024/25 season, Bishop underwent heart surgery after a routine heart scan identified a potential risk
The Portsmouth News writer Jordan Cross relayed on X (2 August) that Mousinho says Bishop is “doubtful” for the Blues’ game against Oxford due to a muscular injury.
While the extent of the injury is not known, it will be a real blow if Bishop is indeed ruled out of the season opener.
In response to the post, one supporter wrote: “Oh dear.”
Another questioned how true the injury is, writing: “Mousinho mind games. He’ll be fine.”
Waddingham can be good cover for Bishop
After scoring in the 1-0 win against Zwolle, Waddingham could finally be getting up to speed at Fratton Park.
The striker has struggled since joining in January, but a full preseason in charge could help him find some consistency.
| Games | Goals |
| 132 | 56 |
Mousinho has strengthened around the forward line, with Adrian Segecic and Mark Kosznovszky providing good creative options.
Supporters have been calling on the Blues to sign a new man up front, but given Bishop’s injury is likely to be short-term, Waddingham deserves an opportunity to impress.
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