The influential Pompey right-back has been in electrifying form this season and was sorely missed as an attacking outlet for the Blues in yesterday's 3-0 loss to Newcastle.

But although he should be fit for for Wednesday's Uefa Cup clash with Heerenveen, Blues boss Tony Adams is expected to protect the England defender for Saturday's crucial trip to the Reebok Stadium.

Adams said: 'Glen's knee keeps swelling up after games and we keep icing it.

'He went over on it again at West Brom last week.

'We miss him when he doesn't play because he is very influential for us and he's been having a great season.

'But I think he will be okay for Bolton.

'It settles down pretty quickly and he was very close to playing in this game.'

With Johnson ruled out and John Utaka and Glen Little also sidelined, Pompey lacked natural width, with Arnold Mvuemba playing out of position on the right flank.

And Adams hinted he could be in the market for a right-sided midfielder in the January transfer window.

He said: 'It's difficult to replace the width that Glen Johnson gives us.

'I'd have liked to have had a winger in front of Noe, but John Utaka is also injured and Glen Little went down with flu on Saturday night, so it wasn't an option.

'I'd like to add to the squad and bring in a couple of players in January if I can. That would be great.

'We need competition for places because I was down to my last 18 players for this game.'

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