John Mousinho currently doesn’t have a specialist operator to call upon in that department with Jacob Farrell also sidelined.
The Pompey boss acknowledged after the defeat to Hull City on Saturday the Blues will consider making a move into the free agent market, with a space left open in his 25-man squad registered with the EFL.
So we’ve trawled the domestic options and some players further afield who fit the bill to differing degrees, as the Blues once again weigh up covering sidelined players with bringing in a free agent.
9. Lumor Agbenyenu
Well-travelled Ghana international is 29 - and helped Austrian side SV Ried reach the top flight last term. | Getty Images
10. Erik Pieters
Vastly experienced Dutchman has short-term deals with Luton Town and Derby County last season, after stints with the likes of Stoke, Burnley and PSV Eindhoven. Photo: Getty Images
11. Mario Rui
The Portuguese left-back is 34 now but a high-level operators in Italy with the likes of Napoli. Still no club yet, though, despite talk of Roma interest. | Getty Images
12. Borna Barisic
The Croatia international spent six years in the SPL with Rangers but is without a club after leaving Trabzonspor. Has been linked with a move to Osijek in his homeland. | Getty Images