Pompey skipper's chances of being fit to face Doncaster as he delivers injury revelation

And the Blues skipper revealed he’s been performing with injury issues throughout the season for Kenny Jackett’s side.

Naylor picked up a back injury in the first half of Saturday’s Gillingham 1-1 draw at Fratton Park.

It looked like the 29-year-old would be forced off, but the midfielder managed to continue and complete the game despite the issue.

Naylor admitted he’s now injured and will require treatment, but he has no intention of spending a period on the sidelines.

The man who was signed from Burton Albion in 2018 is heading towards his second Pompey season where he’s topped 50 appearances, and was on course to do the same last term before the campaign was curtailed.

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Naylor explained that’s only been possible after regularly persevering with injury issues to help the team.

And that is something he fully intends to do as Pompey face a crucial trip to take on promotion rivals Doncaster at the Keepmoat Stadium - whether he’s fully fit or not.

Naylor said: ‘It was an impact injury on my back

‘The adrenalin helps and I got through it.

‘I don’t want to miss games now, I don’t want to miss games at all really.

‘If I’m injured I’ll play. Whatever injury it is, I’ll go through it.

‘It’s something I’ve done plenty of times this season.

‘People wouldn’t know that I’ve had injuries, but I’ve got on with it and gone through it.

‘That’s something that I will keep on doing,’

It was a foul by powerful Gillingham striker Vadaine Oliver which contributed to Naylor’s first-half problems, requiring treatment from physio Bobby Babic.

He soldiered on however, but expects further treatment will be required before Pompey travel north to Doncaster tomorrow ahead of Tuesday night’s clash.

Naylor has started every league game this season, with his only absences coming in the Papa John’s Trophy - and he is determined to maintain that record moving forward.

He added: ‘I’m sure it will stiffen up but I’ve just got to work with the physios to get me right for Tuesday.

‘The back is obviously quite an important one in football, because it moves everything in your legs.

‘I headed the ball and he’s just come in late on me really on the left side of my back and my hip bone.

‘I struggled with it, but I managed to get through it and hopefully it will ease off over the next couple of days before the Donny game.’

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