Injury problems mounting for Pompey

Portsmouth have been hit by injuries on top of Sunday’s humiliating 6-0 defeat at Manchester City, with midfield trio Lassana Diarra, Sean Davis and Papa Bouba Diop all ruled out of tomorrow night’s Carling Cup third-round clash at home to Chelsea.

Manager Harry Redknapp was planning to rest several first-teamers in any case after three games in nine days but former Chelsea and Arsenal star Diarra’s knee ligament injury looks a serious problem that could keep him out long term while Davis has a torn groin muscle and Diop a torn hamstring.

Redknapp, who was down to 17 fit senior players in training today, is ready to give fit-again striker Kanu a first start since his FA Cup final winner in May.

Fellow Nigerian John Utaka may also start after coming on as a substitute against City and the manager must now decide whether to risk another beating - Chelsea hammered Pompey 4-0 on the first weekend of the season – by also resting the likes of Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and skipper Sol Campbell.

Team from: James, Ashdown, Kaboul, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, A Traore, D Traore, Mvuemba, Kanu, Utaka, Lauren, Little, Hughes, Nugent, Crouch, Defoe, Belhadj, Wilson.