RAGGETT BLOW
Ever-present defender suffers suspected fractured cheekbone
DANNY COWLEY hasn’t given up on Sean Raggett continuing to play a part in Pompey’s promotion push.
Raggett sustained a suspected fracture to his left cheekbone after a collision with Callum Lang in yesterday’s 1-0 win away to Wigan.
The incident left the Wigan man with concussion, while Raggett was also forced to leave the field nine minutes from time.
A worst-case scenario would potentially rule Raggett out of the eight remaining League One matches, plus any play-off campaign.
However, Cowley is to paint any pictures.
And the Blues’ head coach refusing bleak is trying to maintain a positive outlook on a player who he knows will never quit, no matter the challenge he is faced with.
Cowley said: ‘It happened on the sideline and Sean’s just an honest boy isn’t he, he tries to win every ball.
‘He probably tried to win a ball that wasn’t there to be won and he has headed the back of Callum Lang’s head.
‘Lang went off with concussion, so you can see how big the collision was.
‘He injured his cheekbone, but we are not quite sure of the extent yet.
‘(Head physio)
Bobby (Bacic) tests.
‘Players can wear protection and still feature, it depends on the type of fractureitis.
‘If it’s depressed then that can cause some problems, it’s very early.
‘I think there’s a concern he’ll be out for the season. We are hoping that it won’t need an operation, but there’s a chance, looking at it now, that there will be.
‘Ultimately, there’s a lot of swelling, so we will let it settle and then get an X-ray. After that we’ll have a clear idea of what happens next.’
Raggett has been an everpresent in Pompey’s league campaign this season, totalling 38 appearances. has been doing the
The last time he missed a Blues league or play-off match was in December 2019 against Peterborough.
Rasmus Nicolaisen, who came on at the DW Stadium to help usher the Blues to victory, would be the obvious replacement for the duration Raggett is missing for.
Paul Downing is also available, but has yet to make a squad since Cowley arrived at Fratton Park.
Pompey’s head coach is hoping Raggett can shrug off his setback to return before the 2020-21 campaign ends.
He added: ‘Sean’s a tough kid. It looks like he’s had 12 rounds with Mike Tyson, but he’s as brave as any player that I can remember working with.’