Portsmouth to step up defender's recovery from long-term setback

Pompey are set to step up Joe Hancott's recovery from his long-term injury.
Joe Hancott in action for Pompey against Norwich under-21s. Picture: Joe PeplerJoe Hancott in action for Pompey against Norwich under-21s. Picture: Joe Pepler
Joe Hancott in action for Pompey against Norwich under-21s. Picture: Joe Pepler

The Isle of Wight-born youngster has been sidelined for well more than a year with a knee problem.

Hancott suffered ACL damage during training in October 2019, which has frustratingly meant he's been absent ever since.

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The Blues extended the left-back's third-year scholarship that was due to expire at the end of last season.

Pompey see themselves as having a duty of care to ensure Hancott returns to full fitness before making a decision on his future.

His rehab hit a setback last year when he was forced to undergo a second operation to remove a build-up of scar tissue.

Hancott's since been training with the academy at Furze Lane as he seeks to return to match fitness.

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Pompey boss Kenny Jackett revealed that in-house games for the 19-year-old will now be organised.

‘Joe is fully fit and progressing well, to be honest with you,’ said Jackett.

‘There is nothing on it yet (his future) but he is progressing.

‘We will be organising a series of in-house games. They are a little bit difficult at the moment (because of the coronavirus pandemic) but that will be his natural progression down at the academy.’

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Hancott has made three appearances for Pompey during his career.

Featuring against Fulham under-21s in the EFL Trophy in August 2017, Hancott beat the record previously held by midfielder Gary O'Neill.

It represented a surprise appearance only weeks after he had started his scholarship with Pompey Academy.

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The defender also featured in the EFL Trophy against Norwich under-21s and Oxford United last season before his injury.

In addition, Hancott enjoyed loan spells with non-league Basingstoke Town and Bognor Regis to aid his encouraging progress.

Hancott came through the Blues youth ranks with the likes of Haji Mnoga, Leon Maloney, Brad Lethbridge and Josh Flint.

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