Portsmouth Set to Hand Pre-Season Left-Back Duties to Fifth Different Player as Zak Swanson Nears Surprise Return
Portsmouth are on course to use a fifth different player at left-back during their pre-season preparations as John Mousinho continues to manage Connor Ogilvie’s absence and assess his options ahead of the new campaign. However, the latest development will come as welcome news for Pompey supporters, with Zak Swanson now closing in on a much earlier-than-expected return from injury.
The versatile defender is being lined up to make his comeback in Saturday’s pre-season friendly away to Wycombe Wanderers after making significant progress in his rehabilitation from knee surgery. If he features at Adams Park, it would represent an impressive recovery for the 25-year-old, who was initially expected to miss the beginning of the 2026-27 season.
Earlier this month, Mousinho revealed that Swanson would not be available for the opening fixtures as he continued his recovery from the operation he underwent in April. Despite that setback, the former Arsenal academy graduate remained optimistic about returning before the competitive campaign got underway. During Portsmouth’s training camp at Fota Island, Swanson spoke about his determination to push his recovery as far as possible, setting himself the ambitious goal of returning towards the latter stages of the club’s pre-season schedule.
That target now appears to be within reach. With Swanson expected to resume full training this week, Mousinho has confirmed that the defender could make a substitute appearance against Wycombe, marking a significant milestone in his recovery.
Speaking about his squad ahead of the weekend fixture, Mousinho said he expected both Ebou Adams and Swanson to be available to feature in some capacity against Wycombe, providing another boost as Portsmouth edge closer to the new season.
Swanson’s return would also ease concerns over the left-back position, an area where Portsmouth have already experimented heavily throughout pre-season. Across their first three friendlies, Mousinho has handed opportunities to four different players in the role, including Ibane Bowat, academy graduate Nathaniel Chioma, Jordan Williams and trialist Arvin Appiah.
Despite Connor Ogilvie being unavailable for Portsmouth’s opening competitive fixture against West Ham United in the Carabao Cup on August 8, Mousinho insists left-back is not currently one of the club’s biggest priorities in the transfer market.
The Portsmouth boss explained that Swanson and Williams are both capable of filling the role, while Ogilvie has consistently delivered whenever called upon. As a result, he believes there are other positions within the squad that require greater attention before the transfer window closes.
Even so, Portsmouth have continued to monitor the market for additional cover. Their search has included both permanent transfer targets and free agents, leading to the arrival of former Nottingham Forest winger Arvin Appiah on trial last week.
Appiah made his first appearance for Pompey during last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Bristol Rovers. Introduced after the break, he initially operated at left-back before later moving further forward onto the left wing, giving Mousinho another opportunity to assess his versatility.
Jordan Williams had started the match at left-back and impressed during his 45-minute spell before switching back to his more familiar position on the right side of defence after Appiah entered the contest.
Meanwhile, Ibane Bowat and Nathaniel Chioma have shared much of the responsibility on the left throughout pre-season. Both players have featured in all three friendlies, with Chioma continuing to build valuable first-team experience after signing his first professional contract following his graduation from Portsmouth’s academy.
The youngster played the second half against Woking before starting the opening period of the match at Aldershot, alternating with Bowat, who has previous experience in the role after starting at left-back during Portsmouth’s Championship clash against Birmingham City in November 2025 and making several substitute appearances there throughout last season.
The pair were also involved during the draw at Bristol Rovers, although Chioma briefly moved into a left-wing role for a short cameo late in the match.
Now, with Swanson on the verge of making his long-awaited comeback after enjoying arguably the strongest campaign of his Portsmouth career last season, his return could provide Mousinho with a timely solution at left-back and another significant boost ahead of the start of the new season.
