Portsmouth transfer news: Danny Cowley reveals thoughts on free agents helping solve midfield injury concerns

The Blues had only two central midfielders to call on for their 1-0 win at Forest Green Rovers on Saturday.

Although Joe Morrell was named on the bench at New Lawn, the Wales international was unable to feature after back issues prevented him from taking part in training in the build-up to the game.

Louis Thompson, Tom Lowery and Marlon Pack were also absent for the trip to Gloucestershire, with the trio unavailable due to injuries and suspension respectively.

As a result, youngster Jay Mingi – who made his full league debut at Rovers – and the out-of-favour Ryan Tunnicliffe were the only recognised midfielders available.

Meanwhile, left-back Connor Ogilvie was asked to deputise in the engine room during the second half when the former suffered cramp and couldn’t finish the game.

With Thompson out until at least January with a broken leg, Cowley will be handed another dilemma when Morrell links up with the Welsh camp for next month’s World Cup in Qatar.

This will make the 26-year-old unavailable for Pompey action from November 13-29 at least.

It will also leave the Blues with just four midfielders – barring injury – during a busy upcoming schedule of League One and FA Cup games.

However, the head coach isn’t fazed by that challenge and has subsequently ruled out the chances of utilising the free-agent market to ease any midfield strain.

‘It’s not something we’ve considered,’ Cowley told The News.

‘We know that Joe going away will leave us a little light in there (midfield).

‘Unfortunately, we lost Louis Thompson to a broken leg so whenever you have a long-term injury you know that you’re only one away from having a mini crisis.

‘That’s just the nature of being a League One club and having a squad size like we do.’

The Blues’ injury concerns have eased since Saturday, with Tom Lowery expected to be fit for the Oxford game.

Pack is also expected to feature after recovering from a recent hamstring strain – although Michael Jacobs, who has also played in the centre of midfield will see a specialist following his latest hamstring injury.