Striker adds to Pompey injury concerns

Hawkins limped off in the second half of the dispiriting 2-0 defeat to Blackpool with a knee problem.

The striker picked up the problem in the 13th minute of the loss, as he challenged Tangerines keeper Joe Lumley.

The 25-year-old battled on before being taken off for Kal Naismith after 61 minutes.

Blues boss, Kenny Jackett, explained he’s awaiting to see the full extent of the issue.

He said: ‘It’s a knee injury.

‘The physio has gone on twice in the first period.

‘He had some treatment at half-time and gave it a go in the second half, but wasn’t able to move freely.

‘It was deteriorating for him and unfortunately he couldn’t carry on.

‘It was a loss for us because he was a threat.

‘It’s just whether we’re going to have the full complement from Blackpool.

‘It’s a knee injury so we’ll see how he is next week.’

A lay-off for Hawkins would see him join six Pompey players on the sidelines. Brett Pitman and Gareth Evans are both recovering from hamstring injuries picked up in the defeat at Southend.

Nathan Thompson is still suspended for two games while Danny Rose (broken leg) and Stuart O’Keefe (groin) are out for the season. Tareiq Holmes-Dennis picked up a knee injury on the opening day of the campaign.

Jackett isn’t expecting any of those players to be back for the Bradford trip on Saturday.

He said: ‘We don’t know yet for sure, but I don’t think we’re going to have any of the lads back for next week.

It’s one of those things you have to come through as a club.

‘I understand there’s been a lot of games. We have a determined group, though.’

- JORDAN CROSS