Portsmouth suffer injury setback ahead of key Sunderland clash - but this defender back in the fold

But under-fire Pompey boss Kenny Jackett has James Bolton back fit and is likely to return to the first team fold at Fratton Park on Tuesday evening (KO 7.45pm).

Pompey were thrashed 4-1 away at Northampton Town on Saturday with Jackett coming under increasing fire from the Portsmouth fans.

Reflecting on the latest injury news, Jackett told The News: "Haji had a groin injury sustained on Friday in training, so unfortunately he was unavailable (at Northampton).

“Hopefully James can now build on his appearance. He has pushed himself through in the previous 24 hours to get himself right.

“We checked again in the morning and he felt he was good to come on at some stage if we needed it.

“Sometimes until you actually do play, you never quite know. That bit at the end of the game will help him and give him confidence in terms of him being sure that his ankle was all right.

“He was also fine at the end of the game – and is in contention for Tuesday.”

Sunderland meanwhile, are firmly in the automatic promotion race and are pushing for a top two spot, Lee Johnson’s side beat Rochdale 2-0 on Saturday at the Stadium of Light, Charlie Wyke again among the goals.

It is another busy week for Johnson’s squad with the Papa John’s Trophy final against Tranmere Rovers at Wembley on Sunday to follow the long trip down south to Portsmouth tomorrow evening.