Josh Murphy concern shared after Portsmouth announcement
Portsmouth kick off their new Championship season with a trip to Oxford on Saturday.
There’s plenty of enthusiasm surrounding Fratton Park, as six exciting new players have been signed in the transfer window.
The signings of Adrian Segecic on a free transfer, as well as Florian Bianchini and Yang Min-hyeok on loan deals, have added a new dimension to their attack.
However, the good vibes among Portsmouth fans seem to have taken an immediate hit after a new announcement concerning Josh Murphy.
Murphy mysteriously left out of Portsmouth squad for season opener against Oxford
Portsmouth fans will fancy their team’s chances against Oxford after making these signings.
However, the excitement about what lies ahead for their season has died down after Murphy was missing for the matchday squad for this game.
Pompey made the team news announcement a little over an hour prior to kick-off at the Kassam Stadium.
Colby Bishop has miraculously recovered from a groin injury that was supposed to keep him out for the next two weeks at least. He was named in the starting XI as captain.
However, the joy of getting the main striker back seems to have been overshadowed by the lack of Murphy in the squad – as many were quick to comment on via X.
Murphy played in the final pre-season friendly against PEC Zwolle last week, and there has been no news in the media.
Naturally, that will lead to some fans fearing the worst. Either he’s picked up a knock or he’s lining up a transfer to another club.
Portsmouth should still have enough to see off Oxford without Murphy
Portsmouth signed two wingers earlier in August because John Mousinho noticed a lack of strength in depth in that area.
It appeared as if Murphy was missing for any reason, there would be barely any options to replace him on the left wing.
However, Bianchini was brought in to Fratton Park to do exactly that.
The Italian showed great promise when he came as a substitute against PEC Zwolle
- He showed great pace
- He wasn’t afraid to take on his marker
- He set up Pompey’s winniner in the dying moments
Now, he has a chance to show what he can do in a competitive environment.
The Swansea City man can play on either wing or up front, but the chances are that he’ll be asked to do a job on the left wing at the Kassam Stadium.
With Bishop, Segecic and Callum Lang also in Portsmouth’s attack, they should have enough about them to secure a positive result today.
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