The outstanding defender is sidelined until the next season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, meaning John Mousinho has lost arguably his outstanding player at the back.
Mousinho has indicated he will now look to the January transfer window for a new recruit in that area to help his side sustain their Championship push.
We’ve rounded up some of the potential options Pompey could looks to – along with some of the names you’d love to see arrive.
1. January defenders
From left to right: Sheffield Wednesday's Di'Shon Bernard, Burton's Sam Hughes, Ipswich George Edmundson and MK Dons' Jack Tucker are considerations for January as Pompey look for a new central defender. Photo: The News
2. Sam Hughes
Highly-regarded right-sided central defender at Burton Albion who is the Brewers' reigning player of the season. Quite something when you have Conor Shaughnessy for competition, as he did last term... Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth
3. Caleb Taylor
The 20-year-old is with West Brom but has been limited to five appearances for the Baggies, but picked up a lot of football at Cheltenham last term where he was named their young player of the season. Would definitely be a realistic loan option. Photo: Pete Norton
4. Chris Forino
The 6ft 3in man has been linked with QPR and is out of contract at Wycombe next summer, so would be doable. Recently called up for St Lucia. Photo: Steve Ellis