Portsmouth’s midfield cohort has been boosted from a depth standpoint with news of a return to the squad for Ben Stevenson.
Although Stevenson hasn’t exactly played a key part in their season, making just four League One appearances and only one of those being a start, it it still a boost for the squad. With a number of injuries across various positions, any player returning from a spell on the sidelines is a bonus.
Having only signed with the club in the summer, it hasn’t exactly been an ideal season for the 27-year-old, but he’ll still want to offer something in the run-in to the end of the season. After suffering a knee ligament injury over three months ago, Stevenson hasn’t featured in a matchday squad since New Year’s Day.
He has however been training in full with the rest of the squad over the last week and is in contention to be a part of the squad who travel to Wycombe Wanderers on Good Friday.
A win on the road would further strengthen Portsmouth’s title credentials, and with a five point gap to Derby County with a game in hand as well, they are clear favourites to win the title this season. They in fact face the aforementioned Derby in front of the TV cameras on Tuesday night and a win there would all but seal the title for John Mousinho’s side.
Although the squad has been ravaged with injuries in recent months, you wouldn’t be able to tell that with the performances the players have been putting in as they continue to step up.
Speaking to The News, Mousinho gave an update on Stevenson’s injury designation.
“He was back for some modified training sessions before the international break and he’s been back in flying. There was some optional sessions over the break when the lads were off. Ben was back for those.
‘He then came in and trained from Thursday onwards, so Ben is back and available for selection.”
With a depleted midfield currently, Stevenson may well see some minutes prior to the commencement of the season which could give him the chance to prove his worth after signing from Forest Green Rovers in the summer.
Writer’s View
It hasn’t been an easy season for Ben Stevenson, making just ten appearances across all competitions. Nonetheless, he can still play a part in the final seven games and offers depth in a position that needs it currently.
It is highly unlikely that he’ll start either of the games over the Easter weekend, but he may well see some minutes, especially if Portsmouth are in a comfortable position in either of the games.
If able to get six points from their next two games, John Mousinho’s side may well have the title all wrapped up, and deservedly so given the form they’ve shown over the last few months.