Pompey unable to cope with injury woes

Two months ago, Portsmouth had the better of a goalless south coast derby at St Mary's. They were a win away from jumping into the top six and fans were dreaming of a memorable season.

Since then Portsmouth have taken six points from 10 matches, including just two from their past six to sit only four points and two places above the relegation zone.

In my view, injuries are the number one reason for Portsmouth's slide and the derby week was a key moment.

Pompey had already lost Callum Lang to a hamstring injury in the middle of August. Josh Murphy wouldn't start a game after the derby for nine matches. Nico Schmid hasn't appeared since breaking his hand against Southampton, albeit Joe Bursik has proved a solid deputy.

Against Sheffield Wednesday six days later, Conor Shaughnessy tore his hamstring going to intercept a ball. Wednesday's goal from that move effectively ended Pompey's chances of getting anything from that match and Shaughnessy is sorely missed at the back.

Pompey's squad is not strong enough to cope with the absence of so many key players. Colby Bishop's drop in form is a concern but also linked to the absences around him.

Of the players signed this summer, only Adrian Segecic has made a big impact, although he's missed the last four matches due to injury.

Josh Knight has been up and down at the back. Luke Le Roux and Mark Kosznovszky are yet to adjust to the Championship. Hayden Matthews, signed back in January, hasn't kicked on as was hoped.

These players may still go on to prove astute signings but Pompey need fit players who can affect Championship football now. Matt Ritchie was never adequately replaced.

John Mousinho will be given time to turn this situation around, you can be sure of that.

Last season he had captain Marlon Pack playing out of position in defence. Yes, Pack had some poor games away from home but his performances at Fratton Park were hugely significant in the run of home wins which that kept Pompey up.

Similar outside-the-box thinking might be required this time around, especially with left-back Connor Ogilvie now out for up to three months.

A fully fit Murphy and the returning trio of Lang, Segecic and Schmid will make a big difference and be a huge help to the side. Whether it will be enough to turn things around remains to be seen.

Pompey had an excellent January transfer window 12 months ago but there are still still another 10 fixtures to navigate before any reinforcements can appear.