Pompey hope for Johnson return

Portsmouth hope to welcome back Glen Johnson and Sulley Muntari for their New Year’s Day trip to Reading but Sean Davis, Noe Pamarot and Pedro Mendes are still severe doubts.

Manager Harry Redknapp’s dilemma, after Pompey took just one point from the last four games, is that striker Kanu and right-back Lauren looked tired in Saturday’s dismal 1-0 defeat at home to Middlesbrough after playing two matches in four days having just recovered from injuries.

Midfielder Muntari was rested against Boro and came on as a substitute but Davis’ slow recovery from a foot injury – he has not started any of the last six games – is a concern.

Mendes has had flu symptoms all over the Christmas period but Johnson should return from minor knee injuries.

Reserve keeper Jamie Ashdown, however, is still out with a shoulder injury.

Team (from): James; Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Utaka, Diop, Hughes, Muntari, Kranjcar, Taylor, Benjani, Kanu, Nugent, Lauren, Traore, Mvuemba, Begovic.