Injury update - it's looking pretty good!

Pompey physio Gary Sadler has updated us on the currently injury situation via pfcTV - and it makes for pretty good listening to be honest.

Jermaine Pennant has been doing a lot of running this week, and assuming there is no negative reaction he 'could' return to training next week, which 'should' then leave him fit enough to face Hull on Saturday week - a nice bonus for us all being well! Although no real timescale is being set, or pressure applied, but it is hoped we can get him into shape to feature in that game.

A hamstring injury and then a bout of mumps has seen Marc Wilson laid low recently, which 'might' explain why he was not even in the running to have filled that right sided midfield role against Everton? That said Younes Kaboul and Glen Johnson did a fine job as it was... Anyway, the young Irishman is back in training, and has been since Monday, so would be available for Hull.

Long-term absentee Papa Bouba Diop is back running again, but only in straight lines, which is the easy part. Adding 'twist and turns' makes this more difficult and this will not happen until the club feel he is fully ready, so returning to training most certainly will not be happening until then. It is a long-term process, but it is still hoped that he will play again this season - which would be a plus for us as we need a 'midfield presence', and the big man would give us this...

Apparently Jon Stewart, who I hear you say? The keeper we picked up last summer on a years contract, has had a hip problem. Well he 'squealed like a little girl' when he had the injection and 'cried for his mummy'... Of course this was Sadler 'havin' a laugh', but the keeper has been injured but the injection should settle the problem down.

Martin Cranie is training again, and has now linked up with the England u21 side - but will not be playing in the game tonight. Sadler also went into great detail on the concerns that Pompey might have with players on international duty and 'chances' that might be taken on players, but likes to think that none will be taken, certainly not in friendlies, the concern is though next week for qualifiers that it might, but again he does not expect this to be the case...

There was also a mention for Linvoy Primus, who is starting to 'get back to his old self' in the reserves after almost 2-years out! It was said that this length of time, for such a serious injury, is not a surprise and the recovery period was always likely to take a year anyway, especially given his advancing years! So maybe there really is still a chance that he can have a part to play for the club, hence why he has been offered a new deal next season.

So, all in all the injury situation with Pompey is looking pretty good to me - we now just have to hope and pray that those away on international duty come back safely!

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