Portsmouth handed timely injury boost ahead of Middlesbrough as duo set for long-awaited returns at crucial time

Thomas Waddingham and Josh Knight will hand Pompey a timely injury pick-me-up ahead of Saturday’s trip to Middlesbrough.

The duo have been pencilled in to complete their long-awaited returns for this weekend’s trip to the Riverside Stadium as the battle for survival continues once again.

It’s been a hugely frustrating campaign for Waddingham, who has endured seven months of pain due to a problematic quad issue.

The 21-year-old has been restricted to just five outings in all competitions for the Blues this term after sustaining the set-back during September’s international break.

The young Aussie’s last appearance come from the bench in Pompey’s 1-0 win over Preston North End in late August and was expected to miss 12 weeks of action.

Waddingham will now be hoping to put a nightmare period behind him, with separate injuries hampering his stay at Fratton Park so far.

Pompey striker to end seven-month injury nightmare

Following his January 2025 arrival from Brisbane Roar, the striker has registered just one Championship start and amassed 10 outings in all competitions after being sidelined due to respective hamstring, groin and quad issues.

Despite being initially earmarked with a return in February having built up his fitness in training, fresh set-backs forced the talented front man to sit out once again.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel, with Mousinho pencilling in Waddingham to complete his comeback this weekend against Middlesbrough.

And there’s hope the striker can aid the Blues’ front line, which has struggled for goals in the Championship this season.

The head coach told The News: ‘Wadds is due to be back at the weekend so that’ll be another return that we have from Monday.’

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£1m man set for Pompey injury return

Alongside Waddingham, Mousinho confirmed Knight will be back in the fold after recovering from a stress fracture in his back.

The centre-back has been out of action since November, with scans later showing the extent of his back issue having initially picked up back bruising.

The Blues boss admitted it would be a ‘bonus’ to see the 28-year-old return before the season’s climax, but that picture has since shifted after a recent return to training.

Knight is now expected to boost Mousinho’s numbers in the backline at a time when Pompey are still managing Conor Shaughnessy’s fitness and minutes.

The head coach has given the £1m man the green light for a return this Saturday, having missed more than four months of action.

He said: Josh is fit. He’s training with us, he’s been training for about a week. He’s available, Josh is available (for Middlesbrough).’

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