Portsmouth news round-up: Josh Murphy sends five-word message as duo return to training 

Portsmouth may not have been in action this weekend due to the international break, but there has still been plenty of news.

John Mousinho has been busy integrating his new signings into the first team after a busy deadline day.

Conor Chaplin’s move to Portsmouth was no doubt the highlight, with fans looking forward to seeing him back in action.

On top of this, multiple stars have been away on international duty as they look to impress for their nations.

As a result, Pompey News has rounded up all the latest talking points from over the weekend.

Josh Murphy with his hands by his side playing for Portsmouth
Credit: Imago

Josh Murphy welcomes Conor Chaplin at Portsmouth

Josh Murphy could have left Portsmouth before deadline day, with the winger heavily linked to Leicester City.

However, Mousinho managed to hold onto his star man on deadline day, with four new players also coming through the door.

Chaplin was the biggest addition, with the former Pompey academy graduate re-joining the South Coast club on loan.

As a result, Murphy put “Prince of Pompey is back” on his Instagram story as the pair stood side-by-side in Portsmouth training.

Marlon Pack
Credit: Imago

Harvey Blair and Marlon Pack pictured in training

With Portsmouth set to play Southampton in the South Coast derby after the international break, Mousinho will be keen to have a fit squad.

However, so far this season, the manager has already had to deal with injuries, with Harvey Blair and Marlon Pack remaining on the sidelines.

Pack underwent surgery in the summer and has missed Pompey’s opening four games.

In comparison, Blair has been out with a torn hamstring, and missed the entirety of pre-season.

Now, both Pack and Blair have been spotted in training for Portsmouth, but are both unlikely to play a role on the pitch anytime soon.

John Mousinho in Portsmouth jacket during pre-season fixture against Reading
Credit: Imago

Josef Bursik speaks out about Portsmouth arrival

Another new signing for Portsmouth on deadline day was Josef Bursik.

The goalkeeper joined Pompey from Club Brugge after previously spending time at Stoke City.

Now, the keeper has spoken about his move to the South Coast club, revealing that Portsmouth’s interest in Bursik was long-term.

Josef Bursik at Stoke City
Appearances52
Goals conceded69
Clean sheets19
Bursik was at Stoke between 2017-23

“Pretty much the back end of last season, to be honest,” he told the South Coast club’s website on 4 September when asked when he first heard of interest.

“It was something that I spoke to my agent about pretty soon after he heard about it, and it was pretty easy for me. I wanted to get it done straight away.

“It happens, it takes its time sometimes, but finally got it done, which is the most important thing, and can’t wait to get going.”

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