Key defender is questionable for Portsmouth vs. Lincoln, but after a scare with an injury, center-back Connor Ogilvie is ‘touch and go’ for Saturday’s League One matchup between Pompey and Lincoln City.
Due to a groin injury, the defender was replaced in the 68th minute of Tuesday night’s 3-2 victory at Barnsley.
He skipped training on Thursday as the Blues started getting ready for the Imps’ visit to Fratton Park.
A fitness test has been scheduled for Friday to determine the 27-year-old’s availability – but Jack Sparkes has been put on standby to start at left-back if the result is negative.
If so, Ogilvie won’t be available for selection in the league for just the second time this season during Lincoln’s visit.
The former Gillingham defender was a major member of the defense, which has only allowed five League One goals this season, second only to Exeter’s four. His absence will be felt greatly.
John Mousinho is aware of this situation and is confident that Ogilvie will be motivated to make himself available as soon as feasible.
The Pompey head coach told The News: ‘Connor is struggling with his groin. He’s going to be touch and go for the weekend.
‘We left it off today just to see how it would settle down but it’s still a bit sore and we’ll give him a fitness test tomorrow and see how he shapes up.
‘He’s played such a pivotal part of everything we’ve achieved since I came into the football club.
‘He’s missed just one game towards the back end of last year and didn’t play against Morecambe at home, so apart from that he’s been absolutely flawless in terms of his ability to come in and play games.
‘So, yeah, Connor is very robust and I’m sure he’ll be back as soon as he can.’
While doubts exist about Ogilvie’s fitness, fellow defender Sean Raggett is expected to return to the squad for the visit of Mark Kennedy’s side.
The 30-year-old wasn’t involved in the midweek win at Oakwell because of a foot injury. However, the centre-back is back to full fitness and ready to compete for a place in Mousinho’s starting XI.
‘Raggs should be absolutely fine. Raggs trained today so he’s absolutely fine,’ added Mousinho.
‘That was one that just needed to settle down. He took a knock to the bottom of his foot.
‘He was willing to dose himself up and get out there (against Barnsley) but we knew we wouldn’t be able to rely on him for anything more than 10-15 minutes.
‘At that stage, a player is not really fit if you want him to be involved so I thought it was the right decision, considering he trained today and he’s available for the weekend.’
Leave a Reply