Lauren could make Pompey starting side

Portsmouth’s latest signing Lauren could make a ready-made replacement for suspended skipper Gary O’Neil on the right of midfield in the Barclays Premiership with Charlton at Fratton Park.

However, the former Arsenal star has not played for a year after knee surgery and manager Harry Redknapp is also considering the claims of David Thompson, Rudolphe Douala and another new boy, Frenchman Arnold Mvuemba.

Niko Kranjcar is doubtful with a swollen ankle and Lomana LuaLua is still at least a week away from a comeback after a thigh injury. Andrew Cole and Kanu are expected to start up front, with Sol Campbell captaining the side.

Team from: James; Johnson, Primus, Campbell, Traore, Thompson, Pedro Mendes, Davis, Taylor, Kanu, Cole, Benjani, Lauren, Mvuemba, Hughes, O’Brien, Koroman, Douala, Ashdown (gk).