Portsmouth vs Sunderland - Wheeler back in contention for Portsmouth

Posted Friday, December 21, 2018 by PA

Portsmouth winger David Wheeler could return to action in Saturday’s League One promotion showdown with Sunderland.

The midfielder has missed the last five games with a hamstring problem, but manager Kenny Jackett has confirmed he is available for selection this weekend.

Midfielder Dion Donohue returned to the matchday squad as an unused substitute for last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Barnsley after his own hamstring injury and will hope for a taste of the action against the Black Cats.

However, keeper Luke McGee is still missing with a broken bone in his wrist.

Sunderland manager Jack Ross has been handed a boost with the news that keeper Jon McLaughlin is fit to make the trip to the South Coast.

McLaughlin limped out of last Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Bristol Rovers after suffering a back spasm and was replaced by Robin Ruiter, but he will be fit to face Pompey.

Full-back Reece James is also expected to be available after missing out last weekend with an injury suffered during the warm-up.

However, defender Tom Flanagan is a doubt with a hip problem picked up during the FA Cup second round replay defeat by Walsall on December 11.