Portsmouth await news on Ronan Curtis and Tom Naylor knocks for Arsenal clash

Pompey are assessing the fitness of Ronan Curtis and Tom Naylor ahead of their FA Cup clash with Arsenal.
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Kenny Jackett has revealed the pair collected knocks during Friday night’s 3-0 success over Rochdale.

They were today being examined by the Blues’ medical staff to learn the full extent of their injury complaints.

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However, Jackett is confident both will be given the green light to face the Gunners in Monday night’s fifth-round encounter.

Ronan Curtis is to be assessed after picking up a knock against Rochdale on Friday night. Picture: Robin Jones/Getty ImagesRonan Curtis is to be assessed after picking up a knock against Rochdale on Friday night. Picture: Robin Jones/Getty Images
Ronan Curtis is to be assessed after picking up a knock against Rochdale on Friday night. Picture: Robin Jones/Getty Images

Encouragingly, the pair also managed to complete the full 90 minutes in the Dale victory, which marked a 10th successive Fratton Park win.

Pompey’s boss said: ‘We will have to look at it. We have a couple of knocks in Ronan and Tom, I do think they'll be okay, though.

‘We’ll have to look and see over the weekend how people are – if we need to move things around, the players will accept that.

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‘We’re going to need to use our squad, it’s hard to win games on a regular basis, whoever you are.

‘I don’t think they are too bad, just knocks right now.

‘We are next in on Sunday morning and then Arsenal, but those guys with knocks are being assessed today.’

However, the centre-half is available for the Arsenal fixture, with the suspension affecting only League One competition.

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The omission of Jack Whatmough from the bench against Rochdale was purely tactical, as was the absence of Oli Hawkins.

Jackett made two starting XI changes on Friday and five the previous match against MK Dons as he seeks to rotate during this gruelling schedule.

And once again he is prepared to shuffle his pack for the visit of the Premier League giants, boosted by a large – and fit – playing squad.

Jackett added: ‘As in recent weeks, we must use our squad to win. We’re quite unusual in that, towards the start of March, we still have three competitions.

‘I have an idea in my head of the side to face Arsenal, but I will see today and Sunday where we are with the knocks.

‘I have a side in my head, definitely.’

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