Arca Out For Pompey

Julio Arca suffered a recurrence of his toe injury in the recent derby against Newcastle, and is unfit to play against Portsmouth.

Arca has a fractured toe has not started a game since Sunderland 2-0 win at Boro in September.

McCarthy said:

‘Julio felt ok going into the Newcastle game but there was always the risk that if he got a kick his tie would be sore again, and that is the case.’

Arca isn’t the only one out.

Bassila is jogging again following a hamstring injury but won’t be available.

‘Gary (Breen) and Alan (Stubbs) will train today and I am hopeful they will be fit for the Portsmouth game.’