Mark Catlin fears fixture implosion should Portsmouth conquer Arsenal in FA Cup

Pompey are in dialogue with the Football League over a crippling schedule which now consists of the Leasing.com Trophy final, in addition to 14 League One matches and the FA Cup.

It means from Saturday, Kenny Jackett’s side must fulfil at least 16 fixtures within 10 weeks.

The visit of Bristol Rovers (April 4) is to be moved to accommodate their latest Wembley final (April 5).

However, just three midweeks are blank during the remainder of the season – one of which occurs in the same week of their EFL Trophy defence.

An international break also looms from March 22-31, potentially impacting upon selection for Oxford (March 28) and two free Tuesdays (March 24 and March 31).

That could affect the availability of Ronan Curtis, Marcus Harness, Ross McCrorie, Craig MacGillivray and Ryan Williams – forcing another postponement.

Meanwhile, Arsenal visit on Monday, March 2 – and a potential Blues FA Cup victory would ramp up their fixture headache.

Catlin said: ‘The games are really backing up now.

‘We will be discussing with the EFL what happens with the Bristol Rovers fixture. We are okay with that one.

‘However, should we beat Arsenal then I think it really starts to become problem.

‘We will have to deal with that, that’s what comes with success. It’s something we must address, not treat as a negative.

‘It’s about trying to fit games in before the end of the season. Now we are through to the Leasing.com Trophy final, it becomes an issue if we also beat Arsenal.

‘We are okay with Bristol Rovers, anything beyond that and it does start to become an issue about where we are going to fit everything in.

‘We have already played 44 games this year, there are still 14 league games to go, a final, potentially more games in an FA Cup run and even the play-offs.

‘Blank midweeks are the problem. The EFL are aware of the scenario and we are working with them on it.

‘At the moment we are just about okay. Any more and I think we’re in trouble, we have to look at how to make space somewhere – and at this minute I don’t know how.’

At present, with Bristol Rovers to be rearranged, four midweeks are available – March 24, March 31, April 21 and April 28.

Meanwhile, of the relevant internationals on the horizon, Scotland face Israel (March 26), while Scotland under-21s are against Croatia (March 27) and Greece (March 31).

Australia encounter Kuwait (March 26) and Nepal (March 31) and Republic of Ireland come up against Slovakia (March 26).

Catlin added: ‘It has been a hell of a season but not something to cry about.

‘It comes with success and is nothing we should be scared of.’