Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has been handed a significant fitness boost ahead of his side's crucial Championship encounter with Charlton Athletic this weekend.
Blair's Return Offers Pompey a Vital Spark
The key news for the travelling fans is that winger Harvey Blair could be in line for his first appearance since early October. The forward has been sidelined with injury but is now challenging for a place in the squad for the trip to The Valley.
Speaking on Wednesday, Mousinho emphasised Blair's potential but stressed the importance of his durability. "Harvey Blair should be back and will most likely challenge for a place in the squad," said the Pompey boss. "We now need Harvey to stay fit, first and foremost. We've seen what he can do... He's a very good player. Harvey has the talent to play at this level and the level above."
Blair has managed just two substitute appearances in the Championship this term, following an injury-disrupted previous season. His potential return offers Portsmouth, currently in 22nd place, a much-needed attacking option as they seek to climb the table.
Charlton Aim to Halt Alarming Slide
Their hosts, Charlton Athletic, are in desperate need of a positive result to stop a worrying run of form. Manager Nathan Jones sees the visit of Pompey as a critical opportunity to halt a run of four consecutive defeats.
The Addicks, promoted from League One last season, started the campaign promisingly but have since fallen to 17th in the division after losses to Wrexham, Southampton, Stoke City, and Coventry City. With the busy festive fixture period looming, securing a result against a fellow struggler is paramount.
Goodman Backs Millwall to Continue Ascent
Elsewhere in the Championship, pundit Don Goodman has delivered an exciting verdict on Millwall's prospects. The former striker, speaking to Football League World, named Alex Neil's side as one of the fanbases who should be most pleased with the season so far.
Goodman highlighted their summer recruitment and managerial know-how as key factors. "I think I'll probably go with Millwall," Goodman said. "They've climbed their way up to third and they've got a manager that knows the league... I actually think Millwall can play better than they have. So I think if I was a Millwall fan right now I'd be quite excited."
Millwall currently sit third in the Championship table after 18 matches, building on their near-miss of the play-offs last season.
This weekend's fixture at The Valley therefore presents a pivotal moment for both clubs at opposite ends of the form guide, with Portsmouth hoping their returning talent can inspire a turnaround against a Charlton side searching for any sign of momentum.
