The news couldn't come at a better time for Portsmouth, as Gary O'Neil could spend a month in the United Arab Emirates this winter, playing for England Under-20s in a FIFA Tournament.
Additionally, Nigel Quashie's own knee trouble has not improved. Quashie vented his frustration to the press recently, saying: "I had three injections to deal with the swelling, and I can't have any more. It's frustrating, but all I can do is give it plenty of rest."