Portsmouth head coach Danny Cowley has confirmed that Zak Swanson and Kieron Freeman missed yesterday's clash with Wycombe Wanderers due to injury.

Swanson sustained a stomach injury during Pompey's 3-2 victory over Milton Keynes Dons in the second round of the FA Cup last month.

Freeman meanwhile picked up an issue with his calf in Portsmouth's recent EFL Trophy victory over Ipswich Town.

With Joe Rafferty also sidelined for the foreseeable future, Cowley opted to alter the club's system as Owen Dale featured in a right wing-back role against Wycombe.

In the absence of Swanson and Freeman, Portsmouth suffered a disappointing defeat at the hands of Wycombe on Sunday.

Anis Mehmeti opened the scoring for Wycombe in the first-half of this fixture as he fired an effort past Pompey goalkeeper Josh Griffiths from the edge of the area.

Wycombe then effectively sealed victory in the closing stages of the clash as Mehmeti teed up Garath McCleary who slotted home from close range.

Following his side's clash with the Chairboys, Cowley issued an update on Swanson and Freeman.

Speaking to The News about the duo, the Pompey boss said: "I don't think we had any choice in terms of systems, Zak Swanson picked up a stomach injury against MK Dons.

"We have three right-backs injured, there was no choice in terms of systems.

"I don't know how long Zak will be out for, he tried to train at the back end of this week, but it wasn't right and he wasn't involved.

"Kieron Freeman picked up a calf injury at Ipswich, so he's missing as well."

 

 

The Verdict

This is a concerning update for Portsmouth as they will now need to adapt to a new system due to their lack of options at right-back.

If Swanson or Freeman are ruled out of action for a considerable period, Pompey may have to look into the possibility of bolstering their options in this particular position in the upcoming transfer window.

By securing the services of an individual who has a proven track-record of delivering the goods in League One, Portsmouth could potentially bolster their chances of securing a place in the play-offs.

As for Swanson and Freeman, Cowley could decide to ease these two players back into the fold when they are fully fit as this will minimise the risk of further injury setbacks.