The left-back crisis Portsmouth are currently heading for this summer

But in just a matter of months, Pompey could realistically be without a senior left-back, with all three options at the moment possibly leaving at the end of the season as things stand.

When the Blues return to League One action – whether that’s to fulfil their remaining nine fixtures or participate in the play-offs should the season be curtailed – then Steve Seddon, Lee Brown and Brandon Haunstrup will all be battling it out for the same starting spot.

It’s in stark contrast to the turn of the year, when Kenny Jackett was left without a specialised left-sided defender and called on Anton Walkes to deputise for five games.

But the arrival of Seddon on loan from Birmingham on January 2, coupled with Brown and Haunstrup returning to fitness from respective Achilles and knee injuries, meant Jackett was well stocked before the shutdown of football in March.

Despite coming in as a stop-gap signing, Seddon quickly became undisputed first choice.

His high-octane displays and dead-ball deliveries made him an instant hit with the Fratton faithful, who have been clamouring for Pompey to sign him permanently.

Brown was unable to win starting berth back, despite being vice-captain. And, by his own admission, he could have few complaints given the scintillating performances of Seddon.

As a consequence, Haunstrup was considered surplus to requirements and omitted from 11 of 13 squads before the season was suspended.

Certainly, they were three strong options for the Blues boss heading into what was set to be a crucial final nine games of the season.

But in just two months’ time, there is a real possibility the trio will no longer be Pompey players at all.

Seddon’s loan is due to expire at the end of the campaign.

He will return to Birmingham, but because of the financial ramifications of coronavirus, it remains to be seen whether Jackett will have the funds to lodge a bid to get him back on a permanent basis.

It’s understood the Championship outfit have slapped a sizeable price tag on the Reading lad’s head, which Pompey might no longer be able to meet.

And with the St Andrew’s club already having financial problems before the virus struck, they now may have to sell prized assets to stay afloat in the precarious environment.

Kristian Pedersen attracted interest from Watford in the January transfer window which was turned down, but Premier League sides again may be hovering.

Should Birmingham sell Pedersen this summer then they’ll need a replacement.

Yet the displays of Seddon on the south coast suggest they would have one already lined up.

Meanwhile, Brown’s got a club option for an additional 12 months inserted his contract – although that’s yet to be triggered.

Chief executive Mark Catlin has admitted players whose deals expire this summer are in limbo, with talks currently on hold.

It looked highly probable the Blues would activate the clause in Brown’s deal pre-coronavirus.

After all, he’s vice-captain, is utmostly trusted by Jackett, and is a big character in the dressing room.

But with the purse strings being tightened at every club, maximising every penny is now more important than ever.

Brown’s wages will have to be weighed up with the value he’ll add to the side.

As for Haunstrup, it’s difficult to envisage him wanting to stay.

Although it’ll be tough to leave his boyhood club, the Waterlooville lad will also want to light the touch paper to his career.

Turning 24 in October, he’s no longer at an age where he can be considered an upcoming prospect.

Having been behind the likes of Enda Stevens, Dion Donohue, Brown and now Seddon in the pecking order, it’s time for a player with an abundance of talent to go out and play regularly.

The caveat for free agents this summer is they’re entering a precarious climate.

It’s reasonable to think Haunstrup’s wage demands wouldn’t be as much as Brown’s, which could well grant him his opportunity at the team he’s been at since he was six.

And with Jackett saying younger players are set to get more chances in the aftermath of Covid-19, what’s to say Joe Hancott – who’s been given a short-term deal to show his fitness – won’t provide back-up.

Nevertheless, one thing is certain. In the current circumstances, Pompey won’t have a senior left-back on August 1.