ANOTHER SET BACK: Manager Confirms Injury To Portsmouth Creative Star
Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has confirmed a second spell on the sidelines for star left-back Connor Ogilvie, who made his first start in over a month during their midweek trip to Cambridge United last night.
Pompey are flying high in League One, sat top of the table and six points clear of third placed Barnsley, whilst being the only side yet to be defeated in the third tier. However, they may be set to face another injury setback as 27-year-old Ogilvie returned to the sidelines after picking up a fresh injury against Cambridge United
The former Tottenham Hotspur youngster made his return to the Portsmouth’s starting line up last night having not featured since their 3-2 win at Barnsley in September. Unfortunately, his return was cut short last night after Jack Sparkes replaced the 27-year-old in the eighth minute as the south coast team went on to draw 0-0 at The Abbey – maintaining their position as league leaders.
Speaking to The News, Mousinho confirmed the severity of the injury. Fans will be pleased to know that the injury is unrelated to the groin problem that kept the defender out since September; however, there are indications that a prolonged period of absence might be on the cards.
Portsmouth’s medical staff are currently assessing the situation, but the manager has early concern.
“It’s not great, he’s on crutches and has a boot on.
“He slipped, there was no contact, nobody near him, so it’s a bit of a concern. We are really gutted for him and he’s disappointed as well, so we’ll see what happens Wednesday and Thursday and see how that settles down.
“We’ll probably be scanning it and then I’ll be able to give you a bit more information at the back end of the week.
“It’s nothing to do with his previous groin injury, which was a muscular injury.”
Despite this, former Exeter City man Sparkes has thrived in the left-back’s absence, tallying four assists as Portsmouth have maintained their League One promotion charge, as the gaffer added:
“That’s one of the reasons we’ve got the squad, Jack was incredibly unlucky to lose his place in the side and I thought did really well coming off the bench.”
Writer’s View
Ogilvie has not often faced spells on the sidelines in his career, and the knowledge that this injury is unrelated to his previous spell out of the side would suggest poor timing and misfortune for the former Gillingham man.
However, injuries are a testing time for any squad, but Portsmouth have a very good option in Jack Sparkes who has relished his opportunity in his absence – this is extremely complimentary of the Hampshire outfit’s squad depth in a challenge for a return to the Championship after relegation in 2012.
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