Portsmouth transfer plans for Jacob Farrell wrecked after devastating new blow for ex-Central Coast Mariners man
The former Australia Under-23 international has made three appearances in two years with the Blues
Jacob Farrell’s Pompey misery continues after suffering yet another injury blow.
The Blues had been hoping to offload the left-back this summer after an injury-ravaged two years at Fratton Park, consisting of just three appearances.
Indeed, according to John Mousinho, there has been strong transfer interest in the 23-year-old, particularly from Australia, with Pompey favouring a permanent deal in the current window.
However, the luckless Farrell has now been dealt a cruel set-back during his ongoing rehabilitation from a long-standing groin injury.
And the latest problem is expected to keep him on the sidelines for another two months.
‘It has been a tough one for Faz’
Mousinho told The News: ‘Jacob is still struggling with a groin injury. He’s still rehabbing, but it has been a long, frustrating road back for him.
‘He’s had another set-back, it has happened while he’s been rehabbing. It has been a tough one for Faz. I still think we are looking at another eight weeks.
‘Unfortunately that affects him leaving. That’s one thing which hasn’t been ideal in this situation.
‘There was a huge amount of interest with Faz, out in Australia especially, and especially when we signed him. So it’s a frustrating one.’
Injury-ravaged time at Pompey
Just a fortnight ago, Mousinho had listed Farrell as a contender to fill the left-back spot after Connor Ogilvie underwent knee surgery.
It reflected encouraging progress from the groin problem he sustained at the end of April during a loan spell with A-League club Western Sydney Warriors.
That temporary return to Australia was meant to offer the prized platform of regular first-team football, allowing the Blues to assess his latest injury comeback.
Instead, having established himself as a left-sided centre-half for the Warriors, his campaign was cut short after yet another injury - and it continues to keep him on the sidelines.
Earlier this month, Mousinho admitted Pompey would now listen to offers for a player recruited from Central Coast Mariners in July 2024 to challenge Ogilvie at left-back.
However, during his time on the south coast, injuries have restricted the highly-regarded former Australian Under-23 international to just seven match-day squads and three appearances, reason enough for the Blues to lose faith.
Regardless, Mousinho wants to strengthen the left-back spot this summer and former Nottingham Forest man Arvin Appiah arrived on trial last week, featuring in the second half of Saturday’s 1-1 friendly draw at Bristol Rovers.
Ibane Bowat, Jordan Williams and Nathaniel Chioma have also had stints in the position during pre-season so far, while Zak Swanson is expected to return to training this week following knee surgery.
Ogilvie, however, will miss the start of the Championship season after undergoing a knee operation, so all alternatives will be considered.