Regan Poole opens up on reality of injury rehab after first Portsmouth start in 10 months

Regan Poole has lifted the lid on his injury rehabilitation as he made his first start for 10 months for Portsmouth against Burnley.

After sustaining a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury to his knee last November in an FA Cup tie at Chesterfield, Poole finally returned from the bench with a cameo at Fratton Park against West Brom.

The former Manchester United prospect returned to John Mousinho's starting XI at Turf Moor, a game which ended in agonising circumstances with an injury-time Josh Brownhill winner for the hosts.

Discussing his lengthy rehab period, Poole told BBC Radio Solent's Rob Sills [21 September]: "It was a tough game to come into, but I'm really pleased as it's been a long, tough road.

"It's such a long time, with some struggles, but the lads have seen me through it this whole time and the closer I got to the pitch, the easier it became.

"The club have been brilliant, they know how much of a tough and long injury it is. I felt like I started pretty well here, so not to be on the pitch for most of the success last season was really difficult - but hopefully I can carry that form on this season."

Portsmouth receive huge Regan Poole boost

Make no mistake, there would have been some fear from Poole and from John Mousinho of any potential aggravation or reoccurrence of the injury, but it's a silver lining of relief that the Welshman made it through the contest unscathed.

That match fitness is becoming paramount now for Portsmouth in terms of Poole, who began his spell at Fratton Park tremendously after signing back in 2023.

The 26-year-old was very highly regarded in Pompey's first few months of a memorable campaign, and at Burnley on Saturday partnered Tom McIntyre who has also had woeful injury luck since his arrival - they can share the joy of their respective returns.

There is no doubt that Mousinho has seen his defence strengthen overnight with the returns of Poole and McIntyre - so much so that Jordan Williams was consigned to the bench at Turf Moor, having enjoyed a personally encouraging start to his time in blue.

When the fixture difficulty calms down slightly, there can be a real springboard for the side to steady the ship and establish themselves in the Championship - there's no reason to panic just yet.

In other Portsmouth news, a former Pompey star backs Mousinho to take a Premier League job.

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