Jacobs set to be back in training next week

POMPEY are set to be given a huge lift by Michael Jacobs’ return.

The attacking midfielder is earmarked to make his training comeback next week after recovering from a knee injury.

Jacobs has been sidelined with a ligament issue picked up at Sunderland on October 24, which the Blues feared could’ve left the 29-year-old facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The former Wigan man has given Jackett a boost with his recovery, and is now set to complete his rehabilitation by joining in with sessions after six weeks out.

Jackett said: ‘Next week Michael will be back in training. It’s gone well.

‘It was a bad tackle at Sunderland and it could’ve been a lot worse with it being a knee ligament injury.

‘He’s recovered well, though, and will be back in training with us.’

Jacobs’ Pompey career has been restricted to just seven games to date after agreeing a two-year deal in September.

The mercurial talent showed all the signs of hitting form and becoming a central player to his team’s promotion bid, before injury struck.

Jackett knows having the man he worked with at Wolves to pick from is a fillip, but he explained he will guard against throwing him back into games too hastily.

The trip to Cheltenham Town in the Papa John’s Trophy next Tuesday night would’ve been ideal to ease Jacobs in, but will arrive too soon.

Jackett added: ‘Whether he’ll need a week or two training, we’ll have to see at that particular time. Then it’s how the games come.

‘His recovery has been good so far, though, and it will be a boost to have him back.’