The standout omissions from Portsmouth’s victory over Accrington and what it could mean for ex-Sunderland, Millwall & Norwich men: in pictures
Pompey’s chances of a play-off place officially came to an end on Saturday.
By Pepe Lacey
Published 23rd Apr 2023, 14:02 BST
Updated 23rd Apr 2023, 14:15 BST
But hopes of a top six spot had been nullified after they could only manage a draw against Oxford United in midweek.
This saw the Fratton faithful heavily criticise a number of John Mousinho’s squad as the Blues now embark on a seventh consecutive campaign in League One.
But there were a number of notable absentees from the starting XI and match-day squad, with the Blues boss using the contest to assess a number of players ahead of a busy summer.
We’ve taken a look at the standout omissions from Saturday’s starting side against Accrington and what it could mean for them.
There’s no doubting the midfielder is a fans' favourite with the Fratton faithful but he’s featured just nine times since Mousinho’s arrival in January. Thompson's current deal comes to a close in the summer and being overlooked in a much-changed side on Saturday could be a telling sign over his future. Photo: Jason Brown
Mingi was once-again left out of the squad on Saturday, with the Blues boss revealing the midfielder had picked up a knock in training on Friday. Injuries have affected his game time in recent months and is yet to make a league outing under Mousinho. His ongoing contract situation has prompted many questions from the Fratton faithful, with his long-term future yet to be resolved. Photo: Jason Brown
Mousinho was insistent that Raggett’s absence was to assess Bernard in the starting XI alongside Towler. The central defender has been a firm favourite of the head coach and his omission is not something which will affect his long-term future at Fratton Park. Photo: Jason Brown
Another member of the squad who has failed to get game time under Mousinho. He’s made just four appearances with just one coming from the start. Despite arriving for a hefty £200,000 fee in January 2022, the defender has made just 29 outings in a disappointing spell at Fratton. Like Mingi, Hume’s absence on Saturday was put down to a knock picked up in training on Friday. Photo: Graham Hunt