Portsmouth v Northampton: early team news - Haji Mnoga pushing for spot on the bench

Michael Jacobs suffered a knee injury in last Saturday's win at Sunderland and has been ruled out for up to six weeks.

Curtis came on for Jacobs at the Stadium of Light and is the natural replacement to feature on the left-wing.

The Irishman has started the season out of form but has been backed to return to his best by assistant-boss Joe Gallen.

Jacobs' absence will also free up a berth on the bench and Jackett has to decide who to bring into his match-day set-up.

The likeliest candidate is Haji Mnoga. The defender, 18, has recently been serving as 19th man, including at Sunderland, and would relish a spot among the substitutes.

Cam Pring could then be an option in an advanced role if required.

However, a natural forward-thinking youngster such as Alfie Stanley – who was in the squad at Gillingham – or Eoin Teggart are others who might be considered.

Ellis Harrison (hamstring) continues to work his way back towards full fitness. He’s back training and could be available to face Charlton this weekend.

Meanwhile, three members of the Cobblers’ squad have already been forced to undergo surgery – despite only being eight matches into the season.

Striker Joe Nuttall had an operation for a knee injury earlier this month and has returned to parent-club Blackpool to complete his rehabilitation.

Left-back Joe Mills went under the knife for an ankle injury and is out for 10 weeks.

Scott Pollock has been troubled by a groin complaint and is sidelined for the next two months.

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