John Mousinho shares injury update on Josh Murphy ahead of Portsmouth vs Watford
Portsmouth have been handed a major boost ahead of their game against Watford on Wednesday.
Portsmouth were beaten 2-1 by Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Saturday, with Marlon Pack scoring a late consolation for John Mousinho’s side
It marked a second straight defeat for Pompey, who now sit 17th in the Championship table but still only four points off the play-off positions.
Wednesday’s visitors Watford are level on points after beating Hull City, and Mousinho delivered some promising news on star man Josh Murphy ahead of the fixture at Fratton Park.
Josh Murphy looks set to return after two weeks out
BBC journalist Andrew Moon revealed that Mousinho is hopeful that Portsmouth winger Murphy will return from injuy to the side against the Hornets.
Portsmouth have been without Murphy for two games, which has coincided with the back-to-back defeats.
It will come as particularly pleasing news given Pompey’s lack of goal threat agains the Tractor Boys, with Mousinho’s men managing just two shots on goal.
Mousinho will be hoping Murphy can provide an attacking spark that inspires his team to an important three points at Fratton Park.
Conor Chaplin missed out for Portsmouth against Ipswich as he was not allowed to feature against his parent club and his return will provide another boost for Mousinho.
| Results | With Murphy | Without Murphy |
| Wins | 1 | 1 |
| Draws | 2 | 0 |
| Losses | 1 | 3 |
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Mousinho’s side have been unlucky with injuries this season, most noticeably Murphy, who has already picked up two short-term issues in the first seven games.
Portsmouth suffered another blow with Conor Shaughnessy needing hamstring surgery after an injury he sustained in the Sheffield Wednesday game.
Shaughnessy had started in all six of Portsmouth’s games prior to the setback and will be a big miss at the back.
The injury is set to keep the centre back out until Christmas, meaning Mousinho will have to lean on his other options with a heavy run of games in December.
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