Nosworthy joins Pompey casualty list

The hamstring problem which forced the veteran defender off against Bury has not eased.

On that occasion Johnny Ertl came off the bench to stand in for Nosworthy in the centre of defence, partnering Adam Webster.

And the Austrian remains the likely replacement once again for the injury-hit Blues’ final away fixture of the campaign.

Nosworthy joins fellow central defenders Ben Chorley (back), Jack Whatmough (knee) and Paul Robinson (broken cheekbone) on the sidelines.

In addition, there is no return for Josh Passley, who remains absent following the concussion he sustained at Morecambe.

The loanee from Fulham has now missed Pompey’s past three matches, with Joe Devera moving over to right-back in his absence.

Also out are Ryan Taylor (groin), Danny East (hamstring) and Andy Barcham (knee) to keep Gary Waddock’s options down to a minimum.

However, Paul McCallum is back in the frame after recovering from the ankle problem which kept him out of the 1-0 defeat to Bury.

Another absentee from that match, James Dunne, is pencilled in for a training return this morning.

Pompey will then assess whether he is ready to be considered for the One Call Stadium trip.

Adam May, aged 17, is once more in the squad.