Portsmouth injury news: midfield duo latest revealed before Norwich City and Oxford United showdown

Portsmouth face a demanding Easter schedule with fixtures against Norwich City and Oxford United, but John Mousinho will be without two key midfielders.

The head coach has confirmed that Ebou Adams is set to miss the next couple of matches after sustaining a minor MCL issue during the heavy defeat to QPR.

The 30-year-old, who joined from Derby County in January for £500,000, has quickly become a central figure in Pompey’s midfield, making 14 appearances since his arrival.

He picked up the knee problem at Loftus Road just before the international break and was visibly distressed at full-time, with further concern arising when he pulled out of Gambia’s recent friendly against Senegal.

Adams is now part of an already stretched injury list, with nine players unavailable during the loss to QPR. However, Mousinho has moved to reassure supporters, indicating the injury is not long-term.

The midfielder is expected to sit out clashes with Norwich City on Good Friday, Oxford United on Easter Monday, and the trip to Middlesbrough on April 11, with a return targeted for the meeting with Leicester City on April 18.

Mousinho explained that Adams had only “tweaked” his MCL and should be back within a couple of games, offering some relief at a crucial stage of the season.

There is further frustration in midfield, as Andre Dozzell will also miss the trip to Carrow Road. The 26-year-old has been sidelined since mid-February with an ankle injury suffered late on in the defeat to Sheffield United. He has missed eight matches since, a period in which Pompey have struggled for consistency.

Although initially expected to return in time for the Norwich fixture, Mousinho has confirmed that Dozzell will not be ready for Friday’s game.

There is, however, optimism that the former QPR and Ipswich Town midfielder could be involved when Portsmouth host Oxford United on Easter Monday.