Portsmouth boss’ startling Josh Murphy fitness admission after season of injury pain
Pompey’s star man has seen his Championship campaign decimated by injury - with John Mousinho underlining the extent to which last season’s player of the year’s been hindered.
Josh Murphy has been operating at 50 per cent of his maximum capacity for Pompey this season.
That’s the surprise statement of Blues boss, John Mousinho, who has detailed the extent to which his star man has struggled across a string of fitness issues this term.
Mousinho on Murphy fitness this season: ‘Pretty much at 50 per cent’
Murphy has played through the pain for his team this term ploughing on despite dealing with groin, hamstring and metatarsal injuries.
The 31-year-old was getting through games with the aid of two painkilling injuries, before having to step away from first-team action in December.
Murphy underwent surgery on his metatarsal which should have put paid to his season, but made himself available for selection last month as Pompey secured their place in the Championship.
The Oxford United arrival was named on the bench against Leicester City, before having substitute runouts against Coventry City and Stoke City - catching the eye with his contribution in the 3-1 success at the bet365 Stadium.
Even through his return Murphy’s metatarsal was still not fully healed, while Pompey securing Championship survival was the catalyst for the winger to undergo ‘minor’ surgery.
Murphy’s issues limited him to 15 appearances this term, yet he still returned seven assists to supplement his seven goals and 14 assists in the 2024-25 campaign.
Mousinho was clear how much those injuries has impacted the former Cardiff City man’s form, as he looked forward to having a talent who remains a fearsome Championship attacking threat back to his best next season.
‘It was very minor and he was walking around on the pitch. As soon as we were safe we got him booked in as quickly as we could.
‘We couldn’t do it before the Stoke game, so he played but that was pre-planned and allows us to get him back up and running in about a week.
‘It was one he was struggling with in November. He had concurrent injuries - hamstring, hernia and broken foot - and was playing through all of them.
‘The test with Murph when we needed him to come back at the end of the season, he was still recovering from the broken foot and had the hamstring and hernia issues.
‘The hamstring had cleared up but he had the hernia issue, but wanted to play.
‘As soon as we didn't need him anymore we booked him in but he played against Stoke.
‘We’re looking forward to having Murph back fit given we know what he’s produced this season has been pretty much at 50 per cent.’