Gyepes gives Pompey an injury scare

The Blues boss’ hopes of once again partnering the Hungarian with Lubomir Michalik for tomorrow’s trip to Notts County have received a setback.

Gyepes didn’t train yesterday after complaining of a sore ankle following the midweek loss to Swindon.

It is the same ankle he injured on his debut against Crawley earlier this month.

Appleton is keeping his fingers crossed he can avoid another change to the centre of defence.

And he is hoping Gyepes will return to training today.

He said: ‘Gabor’s ankle is still a little bit sore after Tuesday. He didn’t train yesterday and I am keeping my fingers crossed he will return today and be available for Saturday.

‘It will be a bonus to have the same centre-halves available, but I’m not expecting too much. I will just be pleasantly surprised if that happens.

‘Thursday is normally a good day to do preparation work and if Gabor is not out there, it’s a waste of time doing it with my back four.

‘It may well be we’ll have to field our 11th central-defensive partnership.’