Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has offered an encouraging injury update ahead of the club's Championship fixture against Blackburn Rovers, confirming that Anderson is closing in on a return to first-team action.

Anderson edging back towards fitness

Speaking on Radio Solent, Mousinho stopped short of guaranteeing Anderson's involvement against Blackburn but was clear that the player's return is imminent. That is a meaningful development for a Portsmouth side that has been searching for greater cutting edge in recent weeks, with a draw against Charlton laying bare the limitations of their attacking output when key personnel are absent.

Getting Anderson back into the fold would represent a timely boost. A squad that spent heavily in the summer window, reportedly to the tune of around £10 million, needs its full complement of options if it is going to compete at the right end of the Championship table. Losing any player of consequence for a prolonged spell in a division this unforgiving takes a toll that a good short run of form can easily mask.

Mousinho's tone suggested cautious optimism rather than the sort of declaration that sets supporters up for disappointment. That is a reasonable way to handle it. A player returning from injury in the Championship rarely hits top speed immediately, and Pompey's coaching staff will want to manage the situation carefully rather than rush someone back only to lose them again within a fortnight.

Blackburn arrive at Fratton Park

The timing matters because Blackburn Rovers are the visitors, and they arrive in decent shape. Tony Mowbray's side recorded a 3-1 win over Millwall recently, a result that underlined their capacity to be clinical when the opportunity presents itself. Blackburn have leaned heavily on their academy in the face of a squad depth issue that has been well documented, and Mowbray himself has backed those younger players to step up. That they have done so, at least partially, makes them a more dangerous proposition than a quick glance at their resources might suggest.

Portsmouth, meanwhile, are mindful of the ground they need to make up. The draw with Charlton was the kind of result that does not derail a season on its own but, accumulated, becomes a problem. Mousinho acknowledged after that game that his side's attack was not functioning at the required level. If Anderson's return helps to restore some of that edge, Fratton Park could see a significantly more threatening home side than the one that laboured against Charlton.

The bigger picture for Portsmouth

It is worth keeping perspective on where Portsmouth stand. One injury return does not transform a squad's fortunes overnight, and Blackburn will provide a serious examination of where Pompey genuinely are at this stage of the campaign. Mowbray's men have demonstrated the ability to hurt teams on the counter, and Portsmouth's defensive structure will need to be sound regardless of what happens in the final third.

What Mousinho's update does confirm is that the injury situation, which has been a background concern, is beginning to ease. That is a positive in itself. Whether Anderson goes straight into the starting eleven, comes off the bench, or misses out entirely will become clearer as the week progresses. What is not in doubt is that Portsmouth need their best players available and functioning if they are to turn promising investments into meaningful points on the board.

A home game against Blackburn is exactly the sort of fixture that defines a club's mid-season momentum. Win it, and the narrative around Portsmouth shifts. Drop points again, and the questions about their attacking potency will only grow louder.

Frequently asked

When is Portsmouth vs Blackburn Rovers?
The fixture is a home Championship match for Portsmouth at Fratton Park, with John Mousinho's pre-match comments made on 16 September 2026. Check the official club website for the confirmed kick-off time.
Is Anderson fit to play for Portsmouth against Blackburn?
Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has said Anderson's return from injury is close, though he stopped short of confirming the player will definitely feature against Blackburn Rovers.
What is Portsmouth's form going into the Blackburn game?
Portsmouth drew with Charlton in their most recent Championship outing, a result that highlighted some attacking limitations. Mousinho acknowledged the attack was not at the required level in that match.