“Decimated” – local media say Port Vale’s next opponents have major selection issues
The Portsmouth News website reports that Port Vale’s next opponents could be missing eight first-team players for their weekend clash.
Pompey sit on top of the League One table and a visit to Fratton Park would normally be considered a very difficult game. However, Portsmouth’s selection issues may give Vale a chance to end their recent poor run.
The Blues have been hit with major problems going into the game, after being decimated by injuries and suspensions. Captain Marlon Pack picked up an ankle injury at Wigan on Saturday and faces at stint on the sidelines. He joins Connor Ogilvie (groin), Kusini Yengi (knee), Anthony Scully (knee), Tom Lowery (knee) and Josh Dockerill (knee) who are all in the treatment room. To compound Pompey’s problems key first-teamers Alex Robertson and Regan Poole are both out for the game after picking up five yellow cards.
However, Vale have issues of their own. Strapping defender Alex Iacovitti missed the last game while replacement Jesse Debrah was sent off. Dan Jones, who would offer cover on the left of the back three, could be short of match fitness after a spell out with illness.
Meanwhile, influential midfielder Ethan Chislett has missed recent games and former captain Tom Conlon is still on the sidelines. Upfront. Ryan Loft looks set to miss out through injury although Vale have at least boosted their forward options with the signing of free agent Uche Ikpeazu.