Portsmouth’s chances of promotion this season have further increased with Callum Lang expected to return to the matchday squad prior to the end of the season.
With just five games left to be played this season and a five point gap to second placed Derby County, there is a high likelihood that Portsmouth will take the League One title on their way to the Championship.
A 2-2 draw with the aforementioned Derby on Tuesday night would take Pompey one point closer to the title, and also prevented their rivals from gaining any ground. A great advert for League One football, it was a high intensity game with Portsmouth having to come from behind to earn a point at home. John Mousinho utilised his bench well, with substitute Owen Moxon scoring the eventual equaliser to keep them five points clear of the Rams and still having a game in hand on them as well.
It’s been a pretty incredible couple of months for the league leaders, who are now unbeaten in their last 14 matches. It hasn’t by any means been that easy, with there being somewhat of an injury crisis at the club in 2024. Nonetheless, players continue to step-up and they’re slowly beginning to strengthen again which is rather scary for their opposition.
In an interview on the club’s official website, manager Mousinho stated that there were no new injuries from the game against Derby.
“There are a couple of bumps and bruises from Tuesday, but we’re otherwise all fine and we should have the same squad to select from.”
That was not the only positive news, with the manager also providing updates on the injuries to both Callum Lang and Tom Lowery, who will both play parts in the run-in to the end of the season.
Since signing from Wigan Athletic in January, Lang has been sensational and was one of the standout players in the squad prior to his injury. With four goals and two assists in just eight games since arriving at Fratton Park, his impact has been easy to see and fans will certainly be excited for his return. Mousinho won’t want to rush him back, but Lang seems well on his way to a full recovery.
Midfielders Tom Lowery is also expected to return to the squad, with the date for both players’ return the game against Bolton Wanderers on the 13th of April.
“Callum Lang is coming along nicely. He’s back on the grass and we’re hoping he’ll train with the group next week.
“Tom Lowery is slightly further ahead of him and we should have both of them available to face Bolton.”
Although Lang is the more exciting of the two, Lowery adds further depth to a midfield and he’s another welcomed addition back to the squad.
Writer’s View
There’s a serious argument for Callum Lang being one of the best signings of the January transfer window. His goal contributions have been massive in Pompey’s unbeaten run and he’s helped them pick up plenty of points as a result. Although his injury suffered against Blackpool in early March has knocked him back a bit, he’ll still have a part to play this season.
The game against Bolton next weekend could well be the one which sees the South Coast side achieve promotion and having Lang back will aid their cause. Mousinho won’t just want to get promoted this season but also take the League One title with them in the process and there’s a high likelihood of just that.
Senior Editor
