Portsmouth are set to recall Haji Mnoga from his loan spell at Gillingham when the transfer window opens in January, according to a report from The News.

It is understood that Pompey will be aiming to find an alternative club for Mnoga to join for the remainder of the season.

After being loaned out to Weymouth last season, Mnoga was handed the opportunity to gain some Football League experience when he joined Gillingham on a temporary basis earlier this year.

The defender made a disastrous start to his spell with the League Two side as he was sent-off on his debut.

Mnoga was then substituted at half-time in his second appearance for the Gills and has since struggled to make an impact at this level.

The 20-year-old has not featured in any of Gillingham's last four league fixtures and has only started two games for the club in all competitions.

Currently residing in the League Two relegation zone, the Gills are set to host Salford City at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium on Saturday.

Having been forced to watch on from the bench for their draw with Dagenham & Redbridge in the FA Cup last weekend, Mnoga is unlikely to return to the club's starting eleven for their clash with the Ammies.

Portsmouth meanwhile will be looking to extend their current unbeaten run in League One to six games by picking up a positive result in their showdown with Wycombe Wanderers on Sunday.

The Verdict

If this report turns out to be correct, this is a wise call by Portsmouth as Mnoga has ultimately failed to make an impact at Gillingham.

By sending him out to another team who are willing to play the defender on a regular basis, Pompey could allow the defender to make considerable strides in terms of his development.

Given that Mnoga is currently averaging an underwhelming WhoScored match rating of 5.80 in League Two, it could be argued that Portsmouth should be looking to send him to a club in a lower division.

By featuring week-in, week-out elsewhere during the remainder of the campaign, Mnoga may be able to regain his confidence before returning to Fratton Park ahead of the 2023/24 season.