Portsmouth favourite withdraws from international duty after injury blow

Portsmouth midfielder Iyad Mohamed has withdrawn from the Comoros national squad for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Congo due to injury. The 25-year-old was initially selected by manager Hubert Velud but missed Portsmouth's 2-1 defeat to Stoke City following a precautionary scan.

Mohamed, who joined Pompey from Casa Pia in the summer, had helped the club remain unbeaten in six starts prior to his setback. Manager John Mousinho expressed hope that the midfielder could return in time for Portsmouth's upcoming match against Bolton Wanderers.