Lincoln City will face Portsmouth in their Championship season opener without Josh Murphy, who remains sidelined by a groin injury. The 31-year-old winger, Portsmouth’s 2024/25 player of the year, has been ruled out of the first two matches after a slower-than-expected recovery from surgery.
What happened to Josh Murphy?
Josh Murphy has struggled with injuries since December, first suffering a foot problem before undergoing groin surgery in April. Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho confirmed the winger is still "three weeks away from full training," pushing his return to late August. This setback means Murphy will miss Portsmouth’s Carabao Cup clash with West Ham and their opening Championship fixtures against QPR and Lincoln City.
Why it matters for Lincoln City
Lincoln City’s early-season fixture list includes a home game against Portsmouth, where Murphy’s absence could impact the visitors’ attacking options. The Imps will aim to capitalize on Portsmouth’s weakened lineup, especially with Murphy’s creative influence missing from the wing. His absence also affects Portsmouth’s squad depth as they navigate a demanding start to the season.
What comes next for Portsmouth?
With Murphy sidelined, Portsmouth may rely on other wingers to fill the gap, though Mousinho has yet to name a direct replacement. The club’s next match after Lincoln City is a trip to Bristol City, which could still come too soon for Murphy’s return. Fans will hope the winger’s recovery progresses smoothly to avoid further delays.
