Arsenal will head to Portsmouth for their FA Cup tie on 11 January with the Championship side struggling to assemble a fit squad as injuries continue to mount ahead of the third round.
Arsenal will arrive on the south coast facing a side stretched close to breaking point, with Portsmouth’s injury problems shaping both their Championship survival fight and their preparation for the FA Cup visit of the competition’s most successful side.
Portsmouth sit 21st in the table, one point above bottom side Norwich City, and were hit by further injuries during their 5-0 defeat at Bristol City on New Year’s Day.
Hayden Matthews became the latest addition to a growing injury list after damaging his ankle shortly after coming on as a substitute.
Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho confirmed Matthews will not be available in the short term.
“Hayden rolled his ankle in the challenge on the far side, it was a tough one for us and another injury on the list,” Mousinho said.
“I don’t think we will have any returning for the weekend.” Portsmouth face Ipswich on Sunday.
The most concerning issue surrounds Mark Kosznovszky, who suffered a knee injury after coming on as a substitute against Charlton Athletic. Portsmouth are bracing themselves for the possibility of a long-term absence.
“I don’t know. We fear the worst with Mark, but we haven’t had a scan on it yet,” Mousinho said.
“We’re going to scan him tomorrow and go from there.”
When asked whether the injury could be season-ending, he added: “Yeah, it doesn’t look great.”
These injuries compound an already bad situation for Portsmouth, who are currently without Josh Murphy, Callum Lang and Colby Bishop, all sidelined with hamstring issues or other problems.
That trio are not expected back in time to face Arsenal, with Mousinho instead targeting returns against Sheffield Wednesday on 17 January.
“We’ve got two or three we’re hopeful will be back for the Sheffield Wednesday game,” he said.
Portsmouth are also without Connor Ogilvie, Josh Knight, Thomas Waddingham and Florian Bianchini, leaving Mousinho short of options across defence and midfield.
There is some hope that their captain Marlon Pack could return in time for the FA Cup tie after missing recent matches with a hamstring issue, though a scan is still pending.
“Marlon should be back for Arsenal,” Mousinho said. “Colby’s one that will be back post Arsenal. With Langy and Murphy it should be post Arsenal for them, it’s one or two weeks away for the pair of them.”
The only positive development for Portsmouth in recent days was the return of Jacob Farrell to the squad at Ashton Gate.
The Australian left-back had been sidelined with a groin issue and has made just one league appearance since joining the club.