Portsmouth boss John Mousinho has admitted his squad remains a “long way” from full strength just two days before his side travel to face West Ham United.
The Hammers welcome Pompey to London Stadium on Saturday afternoon in the first round of the Carabao Cup, with the tie representing Nuno Espírito Santo’s first competitive game of 2026/27.
Mousinho, however, is still waiting for reinforcements.
Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, in comments reported on Thursday, the Portsmouth manager said his squad remains some distance from being complete and that several more signings are required before the transfer window closes.
Portsmouth squad still taking shape before West Ham
The timing could give West Ham an opportunity to make a positive competitive start.
Portsmouth have already added several players this summer, but injuries and fitness issues have complicated their preparation. New striker Marko Milovanovic has been building towards match fitness, while defender Connor Ogilvie has been recovering from knee surgery.
Mousinho’s side have also produced mixed results during pre-season as they attempt to build towards another Championship campaign.
West Ham will have their own decisions to make.
Nuno has used the summer to assess his squad following relegation, and Saturday provides the first meaningful opportunity to judge how far that work has progressed.
That test remains important regardless of Portsmouth’s preparations.
Pompey have spent the past two seasons competing in the Championship and will arrive with almost 10,000 travelling supporters expected to create a lively cup atmosphere.
Mousinho’s admission does, however, underline that West Ham will be facing opponents who are still very much a work in progress.
For Nuno, there can be few excuses not to make that count.
