Mystery surrounds the omission of Laurent Robert from the Portsmouth squad for today’s crucial Barclays Premiership clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Portsmouth’s Salif Diao is out with hamstring trouble and fellow midfielder Richard Hughes is rated 50-50 with a groin injury for the home match against Charlton.

Portsmouth included six summer signings and Tottenham selected three newcomers but were without three key men at Fratton Park.

Portsmouth manager Alain Perrin will keep Zambia striker Collins Mbesuma on ice for tomorrow’s Premiership opener at home to Tottenham but six of his seven summer signings look set to start.

Portsmouth have made Zambian striker Collins Mbesuma their seventh signing of the summer after a Home Office panel today granted him a work permit after a successful appeal.

Portsmouth have appealed against the decision to deny their new striker Collins Mbesuma a work permit.

PORTSMOUTH have beaten Bolton to the signature of Zambia international striker Collins Mbesuma on a three-year deal — subject to a work permit.

Portsmouth have beaten Bolton to the signing of Zambia international striker Collins Mbesuma on a three-year deal – subject to a work permit.