Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett has provided fans with an injury update on winger Ronan Curtis ahead of their play-off semi-final ties with Oxford United.
Kenny Jackett Provides Squad Update Ahead of Pompey Play-Off Fixtures
Curtis ‘Very Close’ to Return
The winger had been a regular part of Portsmouth’s promotion-challenging side prior to the season’s suspension in March.
Curtis, 24, had missed just two matches throughout Pompey’s league season – he was not included in the squad against Doncaster and a match later was an unused substitute for the 0-0 draw with Peterborough.
The former Derry City player has made 42 appearances, scoring 13 goals and contributed eight assists.
Seven players have tested positive for coronavirus. Five of those included James Bolton, Andy Cannon, Ross McCrorie, Sean Raggett and Haji Mnoga, but there has been no official comment on the further two individuals.
Portsmouth are set to take on Oxford United at an empty Fratton Park on July 3. The reverse fixture will be just three days afterwards at the Kassam Stadium.
After a 3-1 defeat to Reading, organised to provide a chance to regain match sharpness ahead of the play-offs, boss Jackett said Curtis is nearing a return.
He said: “We’re coming in against a side at a very good level – Reading put their strongest side out and we’re very thankful to them.
“It was a high-quality game and I was pleased with the effort, application and response from the players.
“Our focus is on getting ready to face Oxford and balancing making sure all players are fit, while also working on shape and marrying our best side together.
“There are three weeks to go and we need to be able to hit the ground running, so Reading was a big test for us.
“We haven’t taken any risks (with injuries). Ronan Curtis was very close for us and should be back training next week.”
Portsmouth finished the campaign fifth after a points-per-game system was used to determine final standings.
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