Injured Poole expected back in action towards end of pre-season

Regan Poole is expected to return to action in time to play a part in Pompey’s preseason friendly schedule.

Although John Mousinho has warned against ‘rushing’ the Wales international defender.

The 25-year-old sustained ACL damage after 11 minutes of Pompey’s FA Cup defeat at Chesterfield in November.

It looked innocuous as Poole was muscled off the ball by Will Grigg, but nonetheless the cruel injury is likely to keep him out until July.

Fellow casualties Tom Mcintyre and Anthony Scully are all expected back for the start of pre-season, as are Joe Morrell and Zak Swanson if they stay.

Pompey’s head coach told The News: ‘Regan should be back in a modified training programme in pre-season ready for the start of the season.

‘I don’t think he’ll be involved in that first week where we normally have non-league games against Bognor, Havant and Gosport.

‘After that, we are aiming towards the back end of preseason.

‘However, we are being cautious of that because he’s been out for such a long time, but we’re hoping to have him back available for the first game of the season. We aren’t going to rush it.

‘Regan is doing brilliantly, it’s just that ACLS are long and slow and hard. They go up and then plateau, before going up again. It’s part of the recovery.’

Morrell (knee) and Swanson (groin) are out of contract this summer and must negotiate new deals. Providing both remain, they are anticipated to be back in training for the club’s training return on June 26.

As are Mcintyre (broken ankle) and Scully (ankle), who also missed the runin as the Blues claimed the League One title in style.

Mousinho added: ‘Tom Mcintyre will be ready preseason.

‘Anthony Scully will be absolutely fine. We expect him back in full training in a modified way in the next week or so.’