Why Portsmouth boss is upbeat about Jack Whatmough's injury as defender faces stint on the sidelines

The Pompey defender will be out for around three weeks, after being withdrawn at half-time of Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Charlton with a hamstring issue.

Jackett was pleased that it’s not a longer stint in the treatment room for the 24-year-old, who has been one of his team’s top performers so far this term.

He said: ‘Jack will be out for about three weeks.

SUBSCRIBE today for the latest Pompey updates

‘It’s just a hamstring injury where he’s overstretched slightly.

‘It’s not something you can shake off and is around about what we initially expected when he came off.

‘He’s played really well for us, but the good thing is it’s nothing too serious and he’ll be back in a few weeks.

‘He has to look at it positively. He’s had some very good games and his knee has been fine as well.

‘The knee he had his operation on has been okay and that’s another positive for him.’

Rasmus Nicolaisen now looks certain to come in for his first league start at Lincoln after signing from FC Midtjylland last month.

Jackett feels the time is right for the Dane to come in and show what he can do.

He added: ‘Rasmus has got to know the other players and had a bit of time to look at League One.

‘The timing is good for him to get his opportunity and I’m looking forward to seeing him step into the team.

‘I’m sure he would have preferred to play earlier, but I don’t think it could have worked out any better for him in terms of coming over, having a build-up and a look at things.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

The News has launched a new subscription offer which gives you unlimited access to all of our Pompey coverage.

You can subscribe here to get the latest news and transfer updates from Fratton Park - and to support our local team of expert Pompey writers.