Portsmouth’s key attacker, Callum Lang, admitted that his fifth yellow card of the season was “stupid” as he faces a one-match suspension for Tuesday’s clash against Norwich City.
However, the 26-year-old striker revealed that the suspension could provide him with much-needed time to recover from a nagging knee injury.
Lang Reflects on Suspension and Injury
Lang, who has been instrumental in Pompey’s strong campaign, earned the booking for kicking the ball away in frustration during the second half of their recent 3-0 win over Bristol City. While disappointed to miss the upcoming match at Fratton Park, Lang explained that the enforced break will give him an opportunity to rest and heal his knee.
“I normally hit my yellow cards at some point. It was a stupid one, but it is what it is. I’ve got to rest up now,” he said. “I’ve been struggling with a bit of a knee injury so I’ve got to use that time right and get ready for Friday.”
Lang also expressed his desire to bounce back quickly and help his team maintain their momentum. Despite missing the Norwich game, he remains focused on the next match, highlighting the importance of staying in peak condition for the remainder of the season.
Pompey’s Growing Confidence
The victory over Bristol City marked back-to-back home wins for Portsmouth, with the team showing significant improvement after a difficult start to their Championship return. Lang emphasised that there has always been confidence within the camp, despite the rocky beginning to the season.
“We’ve always been in a good place around the training ground. At the start we knew it wasn’t good enough but we’re confident in the team and the staff around us. We knew it would turn around at some point, but you get punished if you don’t put games to bed.”
Lang’s sentiment echoes the belief that the team has turned a corner. While they had previously struggled to convert promising performances into wins, the recent turnaround shows that Portsmouth’s confidence is growing.
Writer’s View
Lang’s suspension may be a setback, but the timing could work in his favour as it gives him the chance to recover from his knee injury. Portsmouth’s recent form is a testament to the team’s resilience, and Lang’s confidence in the squad is a positive sign for their future. If they can maintain their momentum, there’s no reason why they can’t continue their push for a successful season.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
