Portsmouth to rally for LuaLua

LuaLua faces weeks on the sidelines

Portsmouth's Andy Griffin hopes that victory over Newcastle on Saturday can double as a 'get well soon' message to hospitalised team-mate Lomana LuaLua.

The 24-year-old DR Congo international contracted malaria while on international duty with the Simbas and collapsed during a training session earlier this week.

That ruled him out from taking on his former club, where he played between 2000 and 2004, and he is expected to remain in hospital for a number of weeks rather than days.

Yet Griffin, who is also an ex-Newcastle player, made it clear he could expect visitors soon.

"I wish him all the best," the defender explained.

"I texted him the other day asking how he was and he said he wasn't feeling too bad but was just a little weak.

"I have texted him back saying I would come and see him so I will find out which ward he is on and turn up - with a gas mask on and a bunch of flowers."

The absence of LuaLua is a headache for manager Alain Perrin, whose team has won just one game this season to leave them near the foot of the table.

The coach will also be unable to pick Frenchman Laurent Robert because the winger is on loan from Newcastle, who have blocked an appeal to let him play.

Griffin was philosophical however about the absence of both Robert and LuaLua.

"You would certainly have them both playing if that were possible because when they are playing well they can be superb," he added.

"They are tremendous individual talents.

"And obviously playing against your former club you always have a point to prove.

"Perhaps they would have added some extra spice to the game but it was not meant to be."