Portsmouth boss pinpoints potential Conor Shaughnessy return date as wait goes on

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has targeted the November 21 trip to Bolton for central defender Conor Shaughnessy’s potential return to action. The Irish defender has been sidelined since suffering a groin injury against Blackburn on September 19. Mousinho confirmed that Shaughnessy has returned to light training on grass, but the club will take no risks with his recovery and will give him the upcoming international break to regain full fitness.

Pompey face a shortage of options in central defense, with Benjy Arthur out with a back fracture and Connor Ogilvie also sidelined following knee operations. In Shaughnessy's absence, Mousinho praised the flourishing central-defensive partnership of Regan Poole and Madiodio Dia, who have started four consecutive matches together. Shaughnessy has made seven appearances and scored one goal for Portsmouth so far this season.