After a great win over Barnsley this week, Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has given reason for players being missing and coming off.
Pompey moved top of League One following a 3-2 win over fellow promotion hopefuls, Barnsley, away from home.
The away side blew the hosts away in the first half, scoring three in less than twenty minutes, and controlling possession in the first half.
Goals from Colby Bishop, Paddy Lane and Connor Ogilvie gave Mousinho’s side an unassailable lead.
Despite goals from Barry Cotter and Callum Styles in the second half, Neill Collins’ couldn’t recover to take any points.
What has John Mousinho said?
Zak Swanson was missing from the Portsmouth side that won, much to the confusion of some fans.
His manager was quick to give reason for his absence: “Zak had a family issue, unfortunately, and there are probably things more important than football.”
The Englishman was quick to praise his defender for his performance against Derby County.
On that matter, he said: “Zak was excellent on Saturday and never would have missed out on the squad if he had been available.
“He stayed at home and I will speak to him and see how he feels.”
Goalscorer, Ogilvie was forced off around 70 minutes with what appeared to be a groin strain.
With Sean Raggett and Christian Saydee also out, Mousinho won’t want any more injuries to add to the existing list.
On his injured players, the manager said: “Ogilvie just felt his groin slightly in the second half. He hardly ever gets any muscular injuries.
“Sean Raggett actually felt his foot in the warm-up on Saturday and wasn’t able to come off the bench at Derby, so was touch and go for Barnsley.
“As for Christian, he was about 50 per cent on Saturday and we just don’t want to risk him at this stage.”
Lots for the gaffer to consider, but given his side’s recent form, he will just want as much consistency as possible moving forward.