Pompey hopeful Conor Chaplin is not another injury blow

Pompey will today check on Conor Chaplin after the striker had to be replaced against Exeter City.
Conor Chaplin. Picture: Joe PeplerConor Chaplin. Picture: Joe Pepler
Conor Chaplin. Picture: Joe Pepler

The youngster left the field 11 minutes before full-time at St James Park – having signalled to the Blues’ bench.

Chaplin, who was replaced Gareth Evans, had earlier given Paul Cook’s side a 31st-minute lead with a well-taken finish on the edge of the penalty area.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It took his tally for the season to nine – putting him on level pegging with his current strike partner, Marc McNulty.

While the 19-year-old was off the pitch, the Blues failed to hold on to their lead as Ollie Watkins netted an equaliser in 90th minute to seal a 1-1 draw.

It was more late heartbreak for Pompey, who remain in fifth spot in League Two.

Yet with Gary Roberts, Adam McGurk and Michael Smith injured, they will be hoping Chaplin does not suffer a similar fate.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Cook said: ‘It was a great goal but that is what Conor does.

‘He asked to come off. He looked across the bench and said he was done, so we are going to have a look at him and see where he is up to.

‘Perhaps he was tired, I just don’t know at this stage.

‘We will have a look at him properly today to see how he is.’

Roberts (hamstring), McGurk (back) and Smith (calf) are all unlikely to be available for Saturday’s trip to Stevenage.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In addition, Brian Murphy continues to be sidelined with a calf problem having recovered from the concussion he suffered against Ipswich Town in the FA Cup replay in January.

Chaplin has scored nine goals in 29 appearances this season, including seven starts.