Portsmouth get Covid all-clear, duo out through injury, defender set to return - Blues team news ahead of Fleetwood trip

The Republic of Ireland international tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this week after missing Sunday’s trip to Bristol City in the third round of the FA Cup.

He’s on the road to recovery but is not available for the League One encounter at Highbury Stadium, with his period of self-isolation not due to expire until Sunday.

The winger should be available for selection, though, for next Tuesday’s home game against AFC Wimbledon.

Also unavailable for the Cod Army fixture will be Paul Downing and Alex Bass – although neither were expected to feature against Fleetwood.

Bass has a calf strain he picked up in training prior to the Robins Cup tie.

That means American keeper Duncan Turnbull will keep his place on the bench, despite conceding four goals in Tuesday night’s 5-1 Papa John’s Trophy defeat at the hands of Peterborough.

Meanwhile, Downing has a hamstring injury he picked up during that London Road fixture.

With Curtis out, Michael Jacobs is expected to continue on the left wing against the Cod Army.

But manager Kenny Jackett is likely to make one change to the side that lost 2-1 at Ashton Gate at the weekend.

Jack Whatmough, who tested for coronavirus over the festive period, is set to return to the heart of the Blues defence at the expense of on-loan Dane Rasmus Nicolaisen.