Portsmouth favourite withdraws from international duty after injury blow

Iyad Mohamed has withdrawn from the Comoros squad for the upcoming international window.

After an excellent run of form at Fratton Park, the midfielder was selected as part of Hubert Velud’s 24-man squad for the Cœlacanthes’ two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Congo.

The 25-year-old, who arrived at PO4 from Portuguese outfit Casa Pia in the summer, started six of the Blues’ eight Championship matches after the October international stoppage.

His involvement coincided with Pompey’s outstanding response after their south-coast derby defeat to Southampton, with John Mousinho’s men going unbeaten in all of his six starts.

However, Mohamed sustained a calf injury in the 3-1 win over Swansea City last week and was forced off early in the second half, with the head coach initially insisting his setback was only minor.

But after undergoing a precautionary scan last Thursday, the Comoros international was subsequently forced out of Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Stoke City.

Mousinho is, though, hopeful the classy operator will return to the fold after the international break at Bolton Wanderers on November 21.

That blow has forced Mohamed to withdraw from the Comoros squad for their AFCON qualifiers against Congo on November 13 and November 17.

The Cœlacanthes confirmed injury has ruled Mohamed out of the upcoming fixtures, along with winger Fazi Selemani. The duo have subsequently been replaced in the 24-man squad by Kassim Hadji and Yassine Saindou.

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

John Mousinho on Iyad Mohamed’s injury

Pompey's improved performances coincided with Mohamed’s introduction after their defeat to Southampton last month.

Following the St Mary’s blow, the midfielder started the following six matches, which saw the Blues pick up 14 points from a possible 18.

Mousinho, though, is hopeful of having the summer signing back in the fold after the international break for their trip to Bolton Wanderers later this month.

The head coach told The News on Saturday: ‘He’s not quite as bad and hopefully he’ll be back after the international break. If not, maybe a week or so after that.’

Your next Pompey read: Portsmouth boss drops Rocco Shein selection hint for Bolton Wanderers as £2.1m midfielder comes in from cold