Groves: We haven't seen the last of Boateng
Paul Groves is confident Prince Boateng has not played his last Pompey game.
The midfielder is currently in Germany recovering from an ankle problem.
It's been almost a month since he left Fratton Park and still there is no sign of him returning.
His continued absence has prompted some fans to question his Blues commitment, leaving behind team-mates fighting for their Premier League lives.
Supporters have also criticised Boateng's attitude to the club.
The 22-year-old potential match-winner has been a big loss to the squad during his four matches out.
Groves himself is unsure just when the former Spurs man will be back at the club.
But the first-team coach believes he can return before the season is out.
He said: 'Kevin is carrying on with his rehabilitation and will continue to do that for a few weeks yet.
'He's still in Germany. We're not sure when he's coming back at this moment in time.
'Going back home initially gave him an opportunity to see his family and after that period he's continued to do his work over there.
'At the moment there is limited work that he can do. Once he can start progressing then he comes back over to us.
'Kevin's a fit lad, he's a determined lad, so hopefully he can make good progress and we see him back before the end of the season.
'Of course, that depends on his rehabilitation and how that progresses in regards to his reaction when he steps things up.
'If he has a setback you have to go back two-three days, which can start to prolong things.
'We will have to see.'
Definitely returning from injury are Tal Ben-Haim and Aaron Mokoena, who should both be available for the FA Cup quarter-final against Birmingham.
Ben-Haim has recovered from a groin operation and is currently on international duty with Israel, who have a friendly in Romania tonight.
As for Mokoena, he is back following a knee-ligament strain which has sidelined him for the last seven matches.
The duo are now pushing to be named in Avram Grant's squad for Saturday's Fratton Park clash.
And Groves believes it is a timely boost.
He added: 'Slowly things are clearing up and we have a bigger squad to choose from.
'Tal started to join in training at the back of last week so for him to be involved at the weekend against Burnley was too quick.
'This week there are a few more days training behind him so subsequently he can start looking to play a bit of football.
'Aaron joined in training at the tail-end of last week and is a little bit further on.
'He's got some decent training through this week.
'Both should be available for the Birmingham game.'
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Weather for Portsmouth
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 15 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
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