The Blues are back in training on Tuesday as preparations for the eagerly-anticipated new season get under way.

But Kranjcar (left) will not be joining them for the first week.

The 23-year-old has instead been given leave of absence after featuring in all four of Croatia's matches at the European Championships.

That was on top of 48 domestic and international matches played last season – more than any other Blues player.

Assistant manager Tony Adams last month voiced concerns Kranjcar's intense workload over the past year would potentially leave him jaded.

Now Pompey have moved to avoid any such occurrence by allowing the culture Croat extra time off.

Nigerian duo Kanu and John Utaka's arrival may also be delayed as they seek an extended break having been involved in four World Cup qualifiers and a friendly during the summer months.

The Super Eagles won all four of their matches to become the first side to qualify for the third phase of the African Zone preliminaries for the 2010 tournament.

Kanu missed several matches with the flu, although still put in two starts and one substitute appearance.

He also featured in a friendly against Austria.
Utaka started just two matches, although was an unused substitute on two occasions.

Another facing the possibility of additional time off is Sulley Muntari, who made three World Cup qualification appearances for Ghana.

The all-action midfielder helped his country top Group Five, although he missed one match with a toe injury.

Elsewhere, Papa Bouba Diop had a free summer after being overlooked for Senegal's World Cup qualification squad and will be present on Tuesday.

He will be joined on the first day of training by newcomers Glen Little and Ben Sahar.

Also expected are Sean Davis, Pedro Mendes and David Nugent – players persistently linked with moves away from Fratton Park.

One surprise attendee, though, is set to be forgotten man Djimi Traore, with his Pompey exit still to be finalised.

The former Liverpool defender is still in negotiations with Rennes – the club he spent the last six months of last season on loan to.

Several fellow French clubs are also interested, with Traore having no future at Pompey.

And out-of-contract Franck Songo'o may also be in attendance, despite being in the process of thrashing out his next move.

The winger has been offered a new Fratton Park contract but is expected to leave, with a number of clubs reported to be showing interest.