Portsmouth will host Millwall at Fratton Park on Saturday in a Championship clash that could see them climb into the top six. The visitors arrive with a significant problem, forced into their fifth goalkeeper change of the season after Filip Marschall suffered a serious ankle injury.

Millwall manager Alex Neil confirmed the 23-year-old summer signing is facing a lengthy absence. "He’s hurt his ankle. He’s done his ligaments," Neil said. "He’s not going to be available anytime soon, which is disappointing." The injury occurred in bizarre fashion during Millwall's 2-2 draw with Lincoln, with Marschall rolling his ankle on the back rail that holds the net onto the goalpost.

Neil must now decide between 21-year-old academy graduate Joe Wright, who replaced Marschall against Lincoln, and 39-year-old veteran Tim Krul, who has been out with a wrist injury. Krul is back in training and could be in contention. Neil added. The manager also confirmed that Japhet Tanganga is suspended for the trip to the south coast.

Pompey's unbeaten run

Their recent sequence of results shows two wins, two draws and one loss from the last five matches, an unbeaten run that now stretches to seven games. The latest of those was a 1-1 draw at Wolves last Tuesday, where Terry Devlin marked his first start in five games with an 86th-minute equaliser. That result followed a 1-0 away win at Norwich the previous Saturday, secured by a Marko Milovanović penalty.

That point moved Pompey to within two points of the play-off places. A victory this weekend would lift them above Millwall, who currently occupy 12th spot, and potentially into the top six depending on other results. The team has scored 14 goals and conceded 14 this season, leaving them with a neutral goal difference. They are also eight points behind the league leaders, Swansea.

Key player returns

Devlin's return to the starting lineup and immediate impact provides a timely boost. His calm volley from inside the box at Molineux secured a valuable point and highlighted his importance. Portsmouth's squad is looking healthier, with no new injury concerns reported ahead of the lunchtime kick-off. Mousinho confirmed that both Josh Murphy and Anthony Scully are back in full training and could be involved in the matchday squad.

The stage is set for a key encounter at Fratton Park on Saturday 24 October.