Kenny Jackett explains reasons behind Rasmus Nicolaisen's Portsmouth absence in Charlton victory

The central defender was expected to start at the Valley tonight in place of the suspended Jack Whatmough.

However, he did not feature in the squad, with James Bolton instead surprisingly elevated to Sean Raggett’s centre-half partner against their promotion rivals.

The Blues went on to claim an eye-catching victory through goals from Michael Jacobs, Tom Naylor and Andy Cannon.

And afterwards Jackett explained Nicolaisen was absent to be at the birth of his second child.

Pompey’s boss told The News: ‘Rasmus’ wife is hopefully giving birth today to their second child.

‘I haven’t heard anything but hopefully everything is okay and a new addition to the family.

‘He is still in England. I don’t know when he’ll be back to be honest with you, I really don’t. That’s up to the baby!’

Nicolaisen and his wife have settled into the Gunwharf area of the city during his loan from FC Midtjylland and already have a son.