West Ham United could face a depleted Portsmouth side in Saturday’s Carabao Cup opener, with four Pompey players ruled out and another two carrying injury concerns ahead of the trip to London Stadium.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s side begin their competitive campaign against Championship opposition before turning their attention towards the league opener at Burnley.
According to talkSPORT’s latest West Ham v Portsmouth team news, John Mousinho already knows he will be without captain Marlon Pack, Connor Ogilvie, Mark Kosznovszky and Jacob Farrell.
Harvey Blair and Josh Murphy are also doubts after missing Portsmouth’s final pre-season fixture.
West Ham handed Portsmouth injury advantage
Ogilvie and Pack underwent knee surgery during the summer and will not recover in time for Saturday.
Kosznovszky and Farrell remain longer-term absentees, leaving Mousinho with decisions to make in a defence that has already undergone considerable change.
There could also be a significant attacking absence. Murphy was one of Portsmouth’s most influential players last season, while Blair provides another option in the final third.
West Ham have an injury problem of their own, with Tomáš Souček unavailable as he continues his recovery from ankle ligament damage.
Nevertheless, Nuno should be able to field a strong side for the first competitive fixture of 2026/27.
Recruitment is also beginning to accelerate. ReadWestHam reported on Thursday morning that the Hammers are making a “big play” to sign AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott as Nuno looks to add another forward to his squad.
Saturday will provide the first meaningful indication of where West Ham stand after relegation.
Portsmouth will still present a difficult Championship-level test, but their growing absentee list gives Nuno an opportunity to begin the new campaign with a positive result before the promotion push starts properly.
