Portsmouth boss Mousinho reveals transfer and injury blows

Portsmouth boss John Mousinho has revealed transfer and injury setbacks, with their move to sign midfielder Jesper Ceesay now off.

Pompey had agreed to sign Ceesay from Turkish club Antalyaspor but issues with his work permit mean that deal is now off.

It comes as a blow for the Portsmouth boss, who is keen on adding a defensive midfielder to his squad with alternative options now being assessed.

Meanwhile, striker Thomas Waddingham suffered an ankle injury in the Carabao Cup defeat to West Ham and is set to be out for around two months if he does not undergo surgery and longer if it is decided that he does need it.

He joins Franco Umeh on the sidelines, who has sustained a hamstring injury and will also be out for a while.

In more positive news, Mousinho has bolstered his defence with the signing of central defender Benjamin Arthur on a season-long loan from Brentford.

“We’re thrilled to bring Benjamin here for the season to boost our defensive ranks,” Mousinho said.

“He possesses all the attributes you expect of a centre-back and is also more than comfortable with the ball at his feet.

“Despite his relatively young age, he already has experience of top-flight football and we feel he can be a real asset as we look to progress in our third season in the Championship.”