The Pompey debacle at Bristol City reinforced Pompey’s need to have an impactful January transfer window.
With their Championship status once again falling under serious scrutiny following their 5-0 hammering at Ashton Gate, it’s become clearer than ever reinforcements are needed ASAP.
The Blues don’t have the strengthen and depth to cope or compete when injuries take their toll. And with eight players missing for the New Year’s Day trip west, pre-match fears among the Fratton faithful before that Bristol City encounter were played out in front of them as reality hit home.
Head coach John Mousinho probably, secretly, shared those concerns. After all, you don’t target up to six new players in January if you are happy with your lot.
But in order to do so, the Blues will have to trim their ranks before welcoming such a number through their doors.
That means some tough, or easy conversations - depending on your way of thinking - need to be had over the coming days and weeks.
But there’s no denying there’s quite a few players whose Fratton Park futures will be under threat as Pompey look to find the personnel that will help them improve their current predicament.
Here’s eight current first-team members who could well find themselves playing elsewhere come the end of the transafer window.
For your next Pompey read: 'That comes after Sunday' - Ipswich to consider recall for Portsmouth loanee Conor Chaplin
5. Jacob Farrell
The Aussie defender's 18 months at Fratton Park have unfortunately been blighted by injury. Since his arrival from Central Coast Mariners in July 2024, the left-back has featured just twice for Pompey - although the 22-year-old made an unexpected appearance on the bench for the New Year's Day hammering at the hands of Bristol City. That will be welcome news for the injury-hit Blues - but will it be enough to keep him at the club beyond this month? Pompey will go shopping for a left-back in January, with Connor Ogilvie still out. If they're successful. Farrell could be allowed to leave to pick up some much-needed game time elsewhere and create space in their 25-man squad list.. Alternatively, the Blues cut their losses altogether and try to get some money back on their 2024 investment. | Paul Phelan/ProSportsImages
6. Conor Chaplin
There's no denying, the 28-year-old continues to struggle for form and is just not performing to the levels we all thought he would. In his 20 loan appearances to date, the Chappers has contributed just one assist and is yet to find the back of the net. The attacking midfielder found himself back on the bench for the New Year's Day trip to Bristol City, despite not being eligible for Sunday's home game against parent club Ipswich. John Mousinho has previously stated he wants to keep Chaplin beyond January. But Tractor Boys boss Kieran McKenna admitted he'll reviews the situation following tomorrow's game at Fratton Park. | Dennis Goodwin/ProSportsImages
7. John Swift
Like Chaplin, the experienced Swift's signing has failed to live up to expectations - so much so that he's found himself a target of some of the Fratton Park boo boys who have grown increasingly frustrated with the former West Brom and Reading midfielder, who will be one of Pompey's higher earners. Swift has found himself down the pecking order in recent weeks and was an unused substitute for three straight games before his Bristol City recall. He did himself no favours, though, at Ashton Gate as he recorded a 3/10 display, according to The News' player ratings. | Iconic Media
8. Ben Killip -
It's not inconceivable to see the former Barnsley shot-stopper moving on in January, especially with No1 Nicolas Schmid back after injury and Josef Bursik proving he's a more than capable deputy to call upon. Pompey might be reluctant, though, given their preference to have four keepers in an around the training ground and the Blues unlikely to recall Toby Steward from his loan at St Johnstone. | Dennis Goodwin/ProSportsImages