x

Soares And Bertrand Definitely Out For Burnley Game

Saints will have a problem in defence for the visit of Burnley as it has been confirmed that both first choice full backs will be missing through injury.

Cedric Soares and Ryan Bertrand will both be missing for the game on Sunday against Burnley, with Matt Targett also a minor doubt, also Shane Long although not definitely ruled out will more than likely be joining the two full backs in the stand to watch the game.

This poses a selection problem for Claude Puel, at right back he will probably go with Cuco Martina and if fit Matt Targett, both have done well in the Europa League and when called upon in the other competitions, however it will mean he will not have the attacking options from both that Bertrand and Soares offer.

But if Targett does not pass muster then it will complicate matters and Puel has to decide who to play in that position with Yoshida an option as well as Sam McQueen.

However at his press conference this afternoon the French manager seemed confident that he had the solutions to the problems in the squad and that the team would be able to cope.

Certainly Puel's method of rotating the squad for cup games will help in this situation in that any player that does come in does so with game time behind him and not ring rusty.

The real issue will be for the trip to Inter Milan, at the back at least Puel will not have much options for rotation and may have to play some players a little more than he would wish.

What to read next:

Chalk and cheese - Mousinho hails Pompey's improved away showing at Sunderland
John Mousinho said he saw plenty to be encouraged about despite Pompey losing 1-0 at Sunderland.
Portsmouth 4 - 0 Swansea City - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Mousinho issues warning to Pompey ahead of visit to Bristol City
Pompey boss John Mousinho has warned his players Bristol City could be out for a quick dose of revenge when the sides meet for the second time inside a month at Ashton Gate.
Lang laps up four-goal Pompey plaudits: There’s no feeling like it
Callum Lang grabbed the headlines and lapped up the plaudits for scoring all four goals in Pompey's impressive 4-1 win over Coventry City at Fratton Park.
Mousinho outlines latest on Pompey's defensive injury worries
Conor Shaughnessy is still some way off a return to Pompey's defence - and this weekend's clash with Coventry looks like it may come too soon for Regan Poole.
Plenty of excitement - Pompey boss relishing fixture list picking up
After a stop-start few weeks in terms of fixtures, Pompey boss John Mousinho is relishing the other extreme - a hectic schedule.
Swansea City 2 - 2 Portsmouth - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Breaking news: Pompey set to play game of football
In an unexpected twist to the season, Pompey are due to play a game of Championship football this weekend.
Cullen on Pompey's transfer strategy: 'It will bring success long-term'
Andy Cullen is comfortable that Pompey's recruitment strategy is working - and says it's important to look at the long-term not just the short-term.
Grateful and happy - how Bishop is feeling after triumphant Pompey return
Grateful to be back in the fold - and for all the support he has been shown by staff and team-mates at Fratton Park.