Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley provides update on midfielder following leg break against Bristol Rovers and former Birmingham youngster's progress after ACL blow

The Pompey boss has confirmed that Thompson, who broke his leg against Bristol Rovers in August, remains on schedule to make his Blues return in January.

However, Reid is yet to have the operation he needs on the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury he suffered in training last month.

Inflammation on his knee isn’t at the level yet to carry out surgery.

Although, Cowley admitted a date had been put in the diary for later this month.

Speaking to The News, the Blues manager said: ‘Jayden is still waiting on his operation.

‘Unfortunately with the cruciate, you have to get the inflammation down and then you have to get full extension of the knee.

‘But we’re hopeful. We have a date booked in November for that, which will be good.

‘As for Louis, he’s making good progress, which is also great.

‘We’re hopeful for January, really hopeful.’

Alongside his recovery from an injury sustained by a Glenn Whelan tackle, former Norwich and Swindon midfielder Thompson has been working as an analyst for Cowley, helping the Blues’ coaching staff with their homework on opponents.

Reid, meanwhile, is back from the holiday paid for by the Pompey players following his latest injury blow.

The 21-year-old former Manchester United and Birmingham youngster damaged his ACL as he was on the comeback trail following a hamstring problem sustained in pre-season.

It’s the exact same setback that ruled Reid out of the 2021-22 season following a successful trial at Fratton Park.

Both Thompson and Reid have been joined on the ‘long-term’ injury list by Joe Rafferty, who is set to be out for three months as he requires surgery on his groin.