Injured Portsmouth duo on course for comebacks against Swindon to provide Danny Cowley with selection boost

Both players sat out Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at MK Dons with groin and hamstring injuries respectively.

Yet they are on course to return to the fold for the County Ground game and bolster head coach Danny Cowley’s already stretched options.

Close, who has started five of the new manager’s seven games in charge after being regularly overlooked by Kenny Jackett this season, missed the Dons match with a sore groin.

It’s hoped the issue was just delayed-onset muscle soreness, though, with the 24-year-old’s game time increasing significantly since Cowley’s appointment last month.

Brown, meanwhile, picked up his hamstring complaint in the first-half of the 2-1 defeat against Burton.

He’s sat out the subsequent games against Crewe and MK Dons, but was close to being involved yesterday.

Charlie Daniels has deputised during his absence but his place in the starting line-up against the Robins could be in jeopardy, with Brown closing in on a return.

Former Bournemouth defender Daniels has struggled since his move to Fratton Park in January and gave away the penalty that led to MK Dons’ winner on Saturday.

Cowley’s options were limited at Stadium:MK with Close and Brown joining Ellis Harrison, Jordy Hiwula, Alex Bass and Michael Jacobs on the injured list.

Andy Cannon was also restricted to a cameo role from the bench as the battles with a back injury.

Jack Whatmough picked up a straight red card in the defeat, which is set to keep him out for four games.