Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho has detailed the reasoning behind Regan Poole's limited involvement this season, confirming the defender is now nearing full fitness after dealing with injury. Poole, who started the opening two league games, has played just five minutes since the 3-1 defeat to Queens Park Rangers on the opening day.
Mousinho told the local press that Poole had been managing hamstring discomfort and neural pain, which led to his omission from the squad for matches against Lincoln City and Bristol City. The 27-year-old centre-back made a brief five-minute substitute appearance in last Saturday's 0-0 draw at Charlton Athletic, his first action in a month. "He’s now much closer to 100 per cent than he was at the start of the season," Mousinho said.
Arthur steps into defence
With Poole unavailable, Mousinho turned to 20-year-old loanee Benjy Arthur from Brentford. Arthur was introduced after Portsmouth conceded six goals in their first two matches, forming a new centre-half partnership with Conor Shaughnessy. The change contributed to a more solid defensive display, with the team keeping a clean sheet in the goalless stalemate at The Valley. Mousinho acknowledged Poole's reaction to losing his place, stating he understood the player's frustration.
"Football quickly moves both ways, there’s every chance Regan’s back in the side really quickly as well," the manager added. Poole was a mainstay last term, making 43 appearances in the 2025-26 campaign, a joint-team high with striker Colby Bishop.
Championship context
The point at Charlton leaves Portsmouth 18th in the Championship table with seven points from six matches. Their recent form reads two wins, one draw and two losses from the last five, a sequence that includes a 2-0 home victory over Cardiff City. They have scored seven goals and conceded eight so far this season. The team now prepares for a key home fixture against Blackburn Rovers this Saturday, September 19. Fans can check the full schedule on the club's fixtures page.
Mousinho's explanation provides clarity on a key squad decision as Portsmouth seek consistency. The return of a fully fit Poole offers a significant boost to defensive options ahead of a busy period. The manager's comments underline the competition for places, with Arthur's performances ensuring the veteran cannot walk back into the team. Portsmouth's next challenge is at Fratton Park this weekend.
