A combination of injuries and suspensions has increased the Blues’ defensive woes this season, which was reflected in their latest victory against Gillingham.
The former Lincoln boss had no senior centre-halves fit for selection and named a backline filled with makeshift options at Priestfield.
However, those who wore royal blue performed remarkably and kept a clean sheet in the 1-0 victory over Steve Evans side.
But this is unlikely to stop the Fratton club from entering the market next month, with reinforcements certainly needed.
Click through the list of players throughout the EFL and Non-League who could arrive on the south coast in 32 days time.
A message from the Editor, Mark WaldronYou can support our local team of expert Pompey writers by subscribing here for all the latest news from Fratton Park for 14p a day.
5. CJ Egan-Riley (18 y/o) - Manchester City
Egan-Riley also made his City debut in the League Cup against Wycombe Wanderers and has shown his versatility throughout this season. The defender can operate as a right-back as well as in the heart of defence and has captained the Citizens' under-23s four times this term. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Photo: Gareth Copley
6. Jacob Bedeau (21 y/o) - Burnley
Bedeau moved to Burnley in the summer after showing promising signs for Scunthorpe in League Two - and he may be looking to step back into the Football League. The former Aston Vila man has remarkably scored twice for the Clarets' under-23s this season. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Photo: George Wood
7. Sam Woods (23 y/o) - Barnet
The former Crystal Palace defender joined Barnet in October. The defender made three first-team appearances for the Eagles and played nine times in League One for Plymouth on loan last term. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
Photo: Pete Norton
8. Christian Maghoma (24 y/o) - Eastleigh
The ex-Spurs academy graduate has experience in League One with Gillingham - prior to his move to the Spitfires. He's been a member of the Eastleigh defence that kept back-to-back clean sheets in their most recent league fixtures. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
Photo: Pete Norton