Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho has confirmed that defender Connor Ogilvie has suffered a setback with his knee injury and will now be sidelined for at least another six weeks. The 30-year-old full-back required a second surgical procedure on the knee this summer, ruling him out of pre-season and both of the club's Championship fixtures so far this campaign.

"Connor unfortunately had a setback with his knee," Mousinho told BBC Radio Solent. "He had to go back in last week on the surgical front so from that point it's going to be about six weeks."

The news adds further strain to Portsmouth's defensive resources as the club adjusts to second-tier football. Ogilvie had already been absent throughout pre-season following his initial operation and had yet to make a competitive appearance this term. With six weeks as the working estimate, the earliest realistic return would bring him close to the start of October, assuming no further complications.

Waddingham blow compounds the problem

Mousinho also revealed that forward Thomas Waddingham is facing surgery on an ankle injury, ruling him out for a minimum of 10 weeks. Waddingham picked up the problem during a Carabao Cup tie against West Ham.

"Tom is looking like he is going to need surgery unfortunately so we're looking at 10 weeks plus on the ankle," the head coach said. "It's one of those that we're not too bothered at the moment about putting a timescale on; there's absolutely no point."

That measured tone from Mousinho is recognisably press-conference caution. Ten weeks takes Waddingham well into November, though the club have deliberately avoided committing to a more precise date, which is sensible given how surgical timelines can shift.

Context: a difficult start in the Championship

Portsmouth's injury concerns arrive at an uncomfortable moment. The club lost their Championship opener against QPR and face newly promoted Lincoln City on Saturday. Results in the opening weeks of a second-tier season matter disproportionately for teams establishing themselves at this level, and managing a threadbare squad adds a layer of difficulty to Mousinho's planning.

The loss of a first-choice full-back for an extended period is not a trivial matter at any stage of a Championship campaign. Ogilvie has been a consistent presence in the Portsmouth backline and his absence forces Mousinho to either deploy a deputy in that role or alter his defensive shape. It remains to be seen whether the club will look to address the gap through the transfer window before it closes.

Waddingham's absence, meanwhile, reduces attacking options at a point when the squad is still finding its feet in the division. Mousinho and his staff will be expected to manage the group carefully, but the accumulation of two long-term injuries this early in the season is the kind of challenge that tests a squad's depth in ways that summer preparations rarely anticipate.

Portsmouth's supporters will be hoping for straightforward recoveries for both players. The club has not yet commented further on whether additional signings are planned to provide cover.

Frequently asked

How long will Connor Ogilvie be out for Portsmouth?
According to head coach John Mousinho, Ogilvie faces approximately six weeks out after undergoing a second surgical procedure on his knee this summer.
What injury has Thomas Waddingham suffered?
Waddingham picked up an ankle injury and is set to have surgery, with Mousinho indicating he will miss at least 10 weeks.
When will Ogilvie return for Portsmouth in the Championship?
Based on the six-week estimate given by Mousinho, the earliest Ogilvie could return is around October, though no fixed date has been confirmed by the club.