Portsmouth concerns over Michael Jacobs after fresh injury setback

The winger was forced out of training on Monday, subsequently missing Tuesday night’s 1-0 defeat at Peterborough.

He had only recently returned from a seven-game lay-off with a hamstring problem.

Jacobs’ latest blow is centred on the hamstring in his other leg, which potentially could be linked to lower back issues.

According to Joe Gallen a scan has since returned an all-clear, offering optimism.

Yet worries remain over Jacobs’ fitness moving forward after an injury-hampered time at Fratton Park since his September arrival.

Gallen told The News: ‘With Michael, it’s the other hamstring. He stepped out of training on Monday.

‘I am gutted for him, but we need to have a chat about it and we need to regroup because we want to have Michael Jacobs out there.

‘He hasn’t been out there a lot, but when he has, he’s played very well.

‘There has been a scan and it is clear. Let’s see where we are Thursday, with a bit of luck he’s available for selection for Ipswich.

‘Hamstrings are something I suffered from a lot (as a player) and know a bit about it.

‘It’s very tough once they tear and re-tear. Confidence-wise as a player, you can lose a bit of belief in your acceleration and ability to turn and push off.

‘Until you get over those hurdles you can look like you lack a bit of power or change of direction.

‘With Michael, we need to make sure we get that area of his body right.

‘We need to help him, because we need him out there playing – he can be the difference for us.’

Meanwhile, the news is optimistic on John Marquis, who also missed the Peterborough defeat.

The striker came off at Wembley during half-time of extra-time with an injury – although it isn’t believed to be severe.

Gallen added: ‘With John Marquis, it’s his ankle, that is a bit more straightforward.

‘Let’s assess that, he’s not long term or anything like that. He sustained it against Salford and it’s swollen, but he’ll be back sooner rather than later.

‘For Ipswich, I'm not sure. We will see on Thursday or Friday.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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