Conor Shaughnessy was missing from Pompey’s 2-0 defeat to Derby County on Tuesday evening.

John Mousinho has allayed any fresh injury concerns to Conor Shaughnessy.

And the head coach has explained the Irishman’s minutes are still being managed, which saw him sit out Tuesday’s defeat to Derby County.

The centre-back had been an ever-present in the Blues’ backline this term, starting all four matches in all competitions - playing the full 90 minutes in all.

placeholder image — John Mousinho. | Jason Brown

However, Shaughnessy was missing for Pompey’s 2-0 loss to the Rams and was left out of the 20-man squad altogether at Fratton Park.

Instead, the defender was replaced in the backline by Madiodio Dia, who came into the side for his first start of the season but struggled against Derby.

The 29-year-old’s absence raised concerns over a fresh setback, with the popular figure enduring a number of injury problems in recent seasons.

In fact, Shaughnessy has started just 23 times in all competitions following their League One title success in 2024.

After hamstring and quad issues last term, the Fratton favourite was limited to just one match a week during the second half of the campaign as the Blues managed his minutes.

And that is something Pompey are continuing into the new season as they hope to avoid a fresh breakdown for the centre-back.

Pompey boss allays Shaughnessy injury fears

Mousinho is adamant Shaughnessy’s absence isn’t serious and does expect the Irishman to return to the fold for this Saturday’s Championship showdown with Cardiff City.

The head coach told The News: ‘No, nothing serious. He’d been managing an issue which we’ve been managing over the past few weeks now.

‘He did it towards the back end of last season. What we don’t want to do is have Shaughs break down but he’s okay and will be available for Saturday.

‘Yeah he’s not quite there yet (to play Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday).

‘You look now in terms of up to the international break, we’ve got Saturday and Saturday games after Cardiff City.

‘So Shaughs will be back for the weekend and I think he will be - barring any fresh injuries - available for Charlton Athletic and the Blackburn game as well.’

Looking for weekly exclusive analysis from our writers Neil Allen and Jordan Cross? We’ve got a newsletter for that - click here to sign up for Pompey Talk

Pompey’s centre-back options

Regan Poole has been nursing a minor hamstring issue in the opening weeks of the season, which forced him to sit out the 3-1 triumph over Lincoln City last month.

The Welshman has since been named on the bench against Bristol City and Derby but was an unused substitute in both defeats.

Benjy Arthur has had a mixed start to life at Fratton Park following his season-long loan capture from Brentford and lined-up alongside Dia in Tuesday’s loss against the Rams.

Pompey also sanctioned loan exits for Josh Knight and Hayden Matthews in the closing stages of the window, with the pair joining Reading and Bradford City respectively.

Meanwhile, Ibane Bowat was given the green light to seal a switch to Huddersfield Town on a permanent basis.

Your next Pompey read: Portsmouth confirm 12th new signing after transfer window closes