Portsmouth striker-turned-defender Oli Hawkins has been ruled out for up to six weeks after injuring his foot, manager Kenny Jackett has confirmed.

The 27-year-old suffered the injury during the second half of the 4-0 defeat to arch-rivals Southampton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

Hawkins, naturally a forward, was a key player for Portsmouth last season and scored ten goals in 48 appearances for Pompey in all competitions last term.

He missed the start of the new season through injury, but has been used a centre-half for the last couple of matches since his return to the side and has impressed in his new role.

Portsmouth boss Jackett is pleased with the progress that Hawkins has made in his new role, but has now confirmed that the player is set to spend the new few weeks on the sidelines.

“Oli had to come off on Tuesday and is going to be out for around four-to-six weeks,”Jackett told the club's official website.

“We wanted to give him more of an opportunity at the back this season after bringing in John Marquis and Ellis Harrison.

“That’s still the plan and he’s shown promise in that position, but it’s a second injury in what has been a frustrating season so far. We’ve certainly got a good player to come back.”

Portsmouth just missed on promotion last season, but have made a slow start to their new campaign and are now without a win in their last three matches in all competitions.

Pompey have won just once in the league all season and will be looking to return to winning ways against Bolton Wanderers at Fratton Park at the weekend.

The Verdict

This is a blow for Portsmouth. Hawkins was an important player for Portsmouth last season and although he missed the first few weeks of the season, he'd impressed in his new role over the past couple of games.

It's a big blow for the player. He's only just returned from injury and he's now set to face another spell on the sidelines, which will be extremely frustrating for him.

Hopefully he'll be able to return to action as soon as possible and get his season back on track.