Injury blow could see Jackett call on 27y/o to repeat an old trick for Portsmouth on Saturday

According to The News, Portsmouth are set to be without centre-back Christian Burgess for this Saturday’s clash with Bradford City at Fratton Park. 

What’s the latest?

Burgess was taken off with an injury in the 88th minute of Pompey’s 3-0 Checkatrade Trophy triumph over Bury on Tuesday night. The 27-year-old was making his 150th appearance for the south coast club, but the occasion was tainted by the ankle injury he sustained.

As quoted in the aforementioned report, Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett now expects Burgess to be unavailable for this weekend’s visit of Bradford. He said “hopefully it’s not too bad, but I can’t see him turning it around for Saturday.”

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This incident leaves the Blues’ defensive contingent even more stretched with Jack Whatmough already ruled out for the rest of the League One campaign.

Jackett must now find a replacement for Burgess to play in the heart of his defence against Bradford.

The man to stand in

19-year-old academy product Matthew Casey could get the nod to make his league debut alongside Matt Clarke in the home side’s back line. However, it’s far more likely that Jackett will instead call upon experienced defensive midfielder Tom Naylor to fill in at centre-back.

The 27-year-old has filled in at centre-back before as his versatility allows him to perform comfortably in that position. Naylor has been a regular for Portsmouth so far this season and certainly has Jackett’s trust, so will likely be tasked with stepping into Burgess’ berth.

from FootballFanCast.com https://ift.tt/2HbKRJ0