Stefanovic misses Pires reunion

Portsmouth defender Dejan Stefanovic will miss out again on a controversial reunion with Robert Pires – after scans revealed he has torn a thigh muscle.

The centre-back played through the pain barrier in his side’s 1-1 draw at Liverpool and misses Arsenal’s visit to Fratton Park on Sunday.

“The injury came to light after the (Liverpool) game as the central defender struggled through the latter stages,” read a club statement on the official website www.pompeyfc.co.uk

Arsenal winger Pires was accused of diving for a penalty and getting his Serbia & Montenegro opponent booked in a clash at Highbury last season – and the pair have not met since.

The France international was not picked for the return game at Portsmouth in May – another 1-1 draw – or the FA Cup sixth-round tie in March which Arsenal won 5-1.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has denied his selection decisions were based on reports that Pompey fans were preparing a hot reception for Pires who played in all 12 matches that took place in between the two Fratton Park fixtures.

In the controversial Highbury clash, Thierry Henry scored from the spot to salvage a 1-1 draw – and the Gunners remained unbeaten for the season and won the title.

Stefanovic’s injury is likely to be out of Pompey’s Christmas fixtures and Matthew Taylor is on standby to replace him.

Pires is likely be treated with hostility by Pompey fans, particularly as the booking Stefanovic received was later reviewed by referee Alan Wiley who recommended it to be removed by the Football Association.

Portsmouth are unbeaten in four Barclays Premiership matches since executive director Velimir Zajec took over as caretaker-manager. Nigeria striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu is back in the squad after missing seven games with a knee injury.

Club-record signing Diomansy Kamara is still at least a week away from returning after a similar injury but could play against Chelsea on December 28. Midfielder Nigel Quashie is still struggling to shake off a groin injury that has kept him out of the last two games.