Portsmouth boss provides encouraging injury update on long-term absentees as return dates pencilled in

John Mousinho has pencilled in January as Benjy Arthur’s highly-anticipated Pompey return.

And that is also when the Fratton faithful could also see Luke Brooke-Smith, according to the head coach, who has also earmarked the young winger’s comeback.

Arthur continues to be sidelined for the Blues after sustaining a stress fracture in his back prior to the international break in September.

This has forced the Brentford loanee to miss Pompey’s previous six matches, which has subsequently seen them climb the Championship table, having lost just once during that period.

Mousinho initially expected the centre-back to miss three months of action, leaving the head coach with Regan Poole, Madiodio Dia and Conor Shaughnessy as his sole options at the heart of defence.

Injuries have since left the Blues boss with Poole and Dia, with Shaughnessy also missing the last month due to a calf problem.

Arthur had been an ever-present in the opening weeks of the campaign after his temporary arrival from the Gtech Community Stadium in August, featuring six times in all competitions - of which five were starts.

Return dates pencilled in for Pompey duo

Mousinho has since explained the Blues are now looking at a January return for the highly-rated England youth international.

In a brief update, the head coach told The News: ‘We are looking at January for Benjy.’

Brooke-Smith is also a long-term absentee after suffering a serious injury in a horrific training ground accident in September.

The New Zealand international sustained significant ligament damage, a fractured fibula and a dislocated ankle at the Blues’ Hilsea training base.

The young winger subsequently underwent successful surgery, with Mousinho initially hopeful of a return before the end of the campaign.

Brooke-Smith featured four times in all competitions following his arrival from Wellington Phoenix in June, which included a start against QPR on the opening day of the season.

And the Blues are increasingly hopeful the young attacker will complete his comeback in the new year, with Mousinho simply replying ‘January’ when asked about his return to the fold.

Want to read exclusive analysis and coverage from Neil Allen and Jordan Cross? Click here to join the Pompey Talk premium newsletter

Pompey’s injury latest ahead of Burnley

Pompey have been heavily impacted by injuries in the opening three months of the campaign, which has significantly hampered Mousinho’s selection.

Ben Killip and Daniel Bielica have both been required on the bench in recent weeks, although ther Blues’ injury crisis is now easing.

Franco Umeh and Thomas Waddingham have both returned in the previous two games, while Josh Murphy and Shaughnessy could also complete their comebacks against Burnley on Saturday.

The Blues will leave it late before making calls on the duo, who have both recently returned to training.

Brooke-Smith, Arthur, Colby Bishop, John Swift, Connor Ogilvie, Mark Kosznovszky and Keshi Anderson all remain sidelined for the Turf Moor trip.

Your next Pompey read: 'Discussions are ongoing': Portsmouth chief reveals latest development plans for training ground