Portsmouth receive a timely boost in attack as sidelined striker edges closer to long-awaited return
Portsmouth look set to receive a much-needed lift in their attacking options, with Thomas Waddingham closing in on a return after a prolonged spell on the sidelines.
The young Australian forward has endured a stop-start campaign on the south coast, having been ruled out for around five months through injury. As a result, Waddingham has managed just five appearances across all competitions for Pompey this season, a frustrating outcome for both player and club.
His absence stems from a quad injury picked up during training ahead of September’s south-coast derby against Southampton, which halted any momentum he was building early in the campaign. That setback was particularly cruel given his recent history at Fratton Park, as Waddingham had already battled through groin and hamstring problems during the latter stages of last season after joining the club in January 2025.
Despite those repeated interruptions, there is now renewed optimism surrounding the 20-year-old. After months of rehabilitation, Waddingham is finally nearing a comeback and is expected to be in contention for Portsmouth’s clash with Sheffield United next week, offering head coach John Mousinho a welcome solution to his current attacking injury concerns.
Pompey’s forward line has been stretched thin in recent weeks. Colby Bishop is facing a spell of between two and four weeks on the sidelines due to an ankle injury, leaving Makenzie Kirk and January deadline-day signing Jacob Brown as the only natural centre-forward options available.
That situation is expected to improve significantly for the Blades’ visit on February 14, with Waddingham pencilled in to make his long-awaited return. Speaking about his attacking resources, Mousinho highlighted the impact Bishop had been making prior to his injury and acknowledged the blow of losing him at such a key moment.
However, the Pompey boss expressed cautious optimism, noting that Waddingham should be fit in time to face Sheffield United. With his return, Portsmouth would once again have three recognised centre-forwards available, while also retaining flexibility through players like Milli, who can operate higher up the pitch if required.
Waddingham’s potential impact remains highly regarded within the club. Since arriving from Australia in January 2025, his progress has been repeatedly disrupted by injury, limiting him to just 10 appearances overall. His solitary goal so far came on his debut in a heavy 5-1 defeat away at West Brom last season.
Despite those modest numbers, Mousinho has previously spoken glowingly about the striker’s ability and development. In December, he explained that Waddingham had initially been signed with a view to gradual integration over several months, but exceeded expectations by pushing himself into first-team contention much earlier than anticipated.
The head coach recalled how Waddingham earned a starting role away at Coventry and would likely have featured more regularly towards the end of last season had injuries not intervened. He also revealed that the youngster had forced his way ahead of several established striking options at the club at the time, creating genuine selection dilemmas.
Mousinho admitted that Waddingham’s absence has been keenly felt, particularly after his strong pre-season displays, and reiterated how highly the club rates him as a prospect. While his return will need to be managed carefully, the long-term plan is for Waddingham to play regularly, build match fitness, and work his way back towards completing full 90-minute performances.
Ultimately, Mousinho stressed that there comes a point where caution must give way to trust — trust in the rehabilitation process, the medical team, and the work Waddingham himself has put in over the past several months — as Portsmouth look to finally unleash one of their most promising young attacking talents once again.
