Portsmouth boss John Mousinho has provided an injury update for two of his players, ahead of a clash with Forest Green Rovers this weekend.
With Pompey attempting to get themselves back in the Championship, they received some good injury news, with Paddy Lane and Marlon Park expected to return to the match-day squad soon.
Tweaking his hamstring during the first half against Port Vale last Saturday, Lane’s injury is not as bad as originally feared, with his timetable for a return expected to be between two to four weeks.
The 22-year-old has featured on the right-hand side for Portsmouth 30 times this season, proving a goal and assist in the process.
Also returning from injury is experienced midfielder Marlon Pack, who could return as early as this weekend.
The former Bristol City man has been an important piece for Pompey this season after signing in the Summer.
Playing deep in the midfield, Pack has only played 24 times in the league, suffering a knee injury during the 3-1 defeat to Plymouth midway through February.
The 32-year-old opted for surgery on his knee a few weeks after the game, and after missing the last 10 games, he returned to training late last week.
With nine games left in the season for Pompey, they currently sit just outside the playoff places in 9th place. On the outside looking in, the Blues are six points away from Derby after a recent unbeaten run of three games.
Speaking to The News, Mousinho provided an update on Lane and Pack, saying: “So Paddy’s injury is not as bad as we first feared. ‘We won’t be seeing him this weekend but it looks like it’s going to be a 2-4 week hamstring injury.
“We initially feared it would be 4-6 weeks as sometimes those hamstring injuries push the back end of the six weeks.
“But it’s not quite as bad as we first thought. We have to wait for these things to settle down clinically over the first week so we can tell – but pretty good news on the whole about Paddy.
“Marlon was back training with us this week and should be available for selection at the weekend.”
Writer’s View
Getting Marlon Pack back in particular will be huge for Pompey, as he has been crucial for them this season.
Stepping in as captain multiple times, Pack has been a leader in the centre of that team, while also popping up with a few goals and assists.
Getting promotion won’t be easy for Portsmouth with the gap and competition they face, however with a good run forming and the return of these players, maybe they can do the unexpected.
