Pompey boss awaiting medical go-ahead on striker

Paul Cook is awaiting the go-ahead from Pompey's doctor before pushing Curtis Main back into the first-team frame.
Pompey striker Curtis Main cut his head during a clash with Wycombe Wanderers earlier this month    Picture: Joe PeplerPompey striker Curtis Main cut his head during a clash with Wycombe Wanderers earlier this month    Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey striker Curtis Main cut his head during a clash with Wycombe Wanderers earlier this month Picture: Joe Pepler

The striker has been sidelined by the facial wound sustained against Wycombe earlier this month.

Although back in training, a bandage has been worn to protect the injury, which required 20 stitches.

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The Blues already have concerns over Noel Hunt, who hobbled out of reserve action on Tuesday with a tight groin.

At this stage, that leaves them with Michael Smith and Conor Chaplin from the striking pool definitely available for Barnet’s visit on Saturday.

But Pompey are hoping the doctor can today give the all-clear for Main to join the pair for first-team consideration.

First-team coach Ian Foster said: ‘Curtis trained with the group the other day wearing the biggest bandage I have ever seen – he looked like Steve Foster!

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‘We just have to be careful with him at the moment and are waiting to get the all-clear from the doc today.

‘Obviously we don’t want a situation where there is one bang and it opens up, so he is going to be guided by the doc.

‘The doc has given today’s date to reassess him, so he will have a look at what it is like and then we can go from there.’

Main has scored three goals in seven appearances for Pompey following a summer switch from Doncaster Rovers.

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Meanwhile, Drew Talbot is expected to be out for another month with his hamstring injury.

The right-back pulled up in training at the start of this month and has so far missed three fixtures as a result.

However, Adam Buxton, Jack Whatmough and Brandon Haunstrup are back in action following injury.