Portsmouth winger Josh Murphy is fit to start against Birmingham City after returning from the bench last weekend, John Mousinho has said.
Portsmouth are looking to reignite their 2025/2026 campaign after a patchy start so far.
Pompey sit 18th in the Championship table, with back-to-back defeats causing concern among sections of the Fratton Park faithful. There is a desire to continue after last year’s 16th place finish, but early signs indicate a challenging season lies ahead.
A big miss for John Mousinho was star winger Josh Murphy. The 30-year-old was a standout last time out but has been limited to just five appearances in the Championship this season due to injury.
However, following his return from the bench against Stoke City last Saturday, Portsmouth boss Mousinho has confirmed this local reporter Andrew Moon that Murphy will be fit to start against Birmingham City this weekend.
Josh Murphy’s return to form will be crucial to Portsmouth’s recovery
Murphy provided one assist in his first four championship appearances of the season before returning last weekend. He looks a strong contender to regain his place on Portsmouth’s left side despite the competition added during the summer transfer window.
Getting the former Oxford United and Cardiff City man back to his best will be crucial to reigniting Pompey’s campaign. He was a crucial outlet for their survival last year and could be a standout player again.
Of course, it’s up to other players to take it a step further. Amid a battle for goals at the top, Makenzie Kirk was given a start against the Potters loan ace Yang Min-hyeok has attracted attention.
With Murphy back, the hope is that his creative skills can once again bring out the best in Mousinho’s front line.
Josh Murphy’s stats for 2024/25
Who could John Mousinho turn to when Portsmouth face Birmingham City?
The design of the Portsmouth attack has been a subject of much debate throughout their battle. Only Sheffield United (9) scored fewer goals than Pompey (10).
Amid the news that Murphy is ready to go, there will be an expectation that he will start on the left side. That could well facilitate a move to the right for Yang, with Conor Chaplin taking on a much more natural role in midfield.
John Swift will be available again and could play in attacking midfield after his one-match suspension.
Florian Bianchini continues his battle to break into Mousinho’s starting XI, offering his services up top and on the right. Players like Adrian Segecic, Callum Lang, Franco Umeh and Harvey Blair are all on their way back from injuries.
#update #coming #Portsmouth #stars #fitness #ahead #Birmingham #City #clash #News #The72 #Football #League #News