Portsmouth FC hammer blow is far from ideal for John Mousinho: View | OneFootball

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It has been an outstanding start to the season for Portsmouth in League One.

Pompey extended their unbeaten league run to 27 games as they drew 2-2 with Charlton Athletic at Fratton Park on Saturday.

Abu Kamara's superb 20-yard strike put the hosts ahead in the first half, and they had chances to extend their lead, with Kamara and Colby Bishop both hitting the bar, but the Addicks equalised in the 71st minute through Alfie May.

Portsmouth restored their advantage just four minutes later through Colby Bishop's penalty, awarded after Ashley Maynard-Brewer brought down Paddy Lane, but the visitors levelled once again when Conor McGrandles headed home in the third minute of stoppage time to secure a share of the spoils.

John Mousinho's side remain top of the table, but they are now just one point clear of second-placed Oxford United and third-placed Bolton Wanderers.

Pompey's impressive form comes after a strong summer of recruitment by Mousinho, and defender Regan Poole, who joined on a free transfer in July after his departure from Lincoln City, has been one of the standout additions.

However, Portsmouth have been dealt a huge blow with the news that Poole is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

What is the latest on Regan Poole's injury?

Mousinho confirmed that Poole will be out for the rest of the season after sustaining an ACL injury in the FA Cup defeat at Chesterfield last weekend.

"It’s a real blow and we’re all disappointed that he’s going to be out for the remainder of the campaign," Mousinho told the club's official website.

"It’s as good as it can be in the situation because it’s just an ACL tear and there’s nothing with any of the other ligaments.

"I’m sure that everyone is gutted for Regan and he’s a huge part of what we’ve been able to do so far this season.

"We just have to dust ourselves down and get on with things, while making sure that we rally around him. "It’s the reason why we’ve built the squad the way that we have and although I’m not happy with the situation, I know we’ve got strength in depth.

"I spoke with Regan late on Thursday night and it was a very positive young man that I was talking to – I’m sure he’s well equipped to deal with it."

How much of a blow is it for Portsmouth to lose Regan Poole?

It was a huge coup for Pompey to land Poole's signature this summer, and he had made an excellent start to life at Fratton Park.

Poole had started all but one league game for Portsmouth prior to his injury, featuring in 16 matches in all competitions, during which his side kept six clean sheets.

Pompey have conceded just 12 goals this season, the fewest in the division, and Poole's injury will disrupt what has been an incredibly settled back line.

It is not just at the back where Poole has contributed, with the 25-year-old also scoring three goals, and he was rewarded for his outstanding performances as he was handed his senior international debut for Wales against Gibraltar last month.

Poole will undoubtedly be missed during his absence, and according to The News, Portsmouth will look to bring in a new centre-back in January.

Sean Raggett, Conor Shaughnessy and Ryley Towler all represent solid defensive options from Mousinho, and Connor Ogilvie and Zak Swanson can fill in at centre-back if needed, but it will be tough for the 37-year-old to replace a player of Poole's quality.

There is no doubt that Poole is a key part of why Pompey are currently top of the table, and with the likes of Oxford and Bolton closing the gap in recent weeks, his injury could not have come at a worse time.