Portsmouth have suffered another setback in their attempts to bring Josh Murphy back into the first-team picture, with head coach John Mousinho admitting there is still no clear timeline for the winger’s return due to ongoing injury problems.
Murphy, who has provided six assists in just 14 appearances for Pompey this season, has endured a stop-start campaign at Fratton Park. Injuries have once again disrupted his rhythm, limiting his involvement during what has otherwise been an encouraging period for the club.
Earlier in the season, the 30-year-old was sidelined for more than a month between September and October after picking up an ankle injury. Just as he was beginning to regain momentum, he suffered another blow when he was forced off during the match against Derby County after feeling discomfort in his hamstring. That incident has kept him out for a further six weeks, and he has yet to make his return to competitive action.
Despite Murphy’s absence, Portsmouth have enjoyed an impressive run of form, which has helped them move four points clear of the relegation zone. There had initially been optimism that the winger would be available again at the start of February, particularly given his importance to the side after registering 21 goal contributions last season. However, Mousinho later revealed that Murphy had been receiving injections to help manage additional physical issues.
Concerns among supporters grew when Murphy was seen wearing a protective boot during Portsmouth’s 1-0 victory away at Sheffield Wednesday two weeks ago. While Mousinho initially played down fears of a new setback, he has since confirmed that the former Norwich City and Cardiff City player is dealing with a fresh ankle problem.
Speaking after Pompey’s convincing 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion, Mousinho acknowledged that the situation remains uncertain. He explained to BBC Radio Solent that Murphy’s ankle issue has not settled as expected, and as a result, the club cannot yet give a definitive return date. The Portsmouth boss stressed that he was being as open as possible with supporters, admitting that there is still a lack of clarity surrounding the winger’s recovery.
Mousinho added that Murphy’s condition is being closely monitored and that another scan is scheduled in around 10 days’ time. That assessment will come roughly six weeks after Murphy completely stopped loading the ankle, and the results should provide a clearer picture of how the injury is progressing.
Murphy last featured for Portsmouth in the 1-1 draw with Derby County shortly before Christmas, where he was substituted early in the second half following the hamstring concern. He was one of 10 players unavailable for the weekend win over West Brom due to injury, alongside Callum Lang, who has recently been linked with a potential move to Preston North End ahead of the transfer deadline.
Portsmouth’s injury list remains lengthy. Mark Kosznovszky and Franco Umeh have both been ruled out for the rest of the season with knee and hamstring injuries respectively. Josh Knight and Florian Bianchini are also long-term absentees, having been sidelined for more than two months with back and knee problems.
Elsewhere, Hayden Matthews is four weeks into a 10-week recovery period following an ankle injury, while there is more positive news regarding Conor Shaughnessy, whose quad issue is not as serious as first feared and could see him return by the end of February. Thomas Waddingham, who has been out since September with a quad injury, is expected back this month, along with Harvey Blair, who suffered a hip-flexor issue in the FA Cup clash against Arsenal.
Finally, the club are keeping a close eye on Colby Bishop after the striker was forced off during Saturday’s win over West Brom when he twisted his ankle, adding yet another fitness concern to an already crowded treatment room.
