Diop ruled out for three months

Bouba Diop's absence is likely to be a major blow for struggling Pompey

Portsmouth midfielder Papa Bouba Diop has been ruled out of action for more than three months with a knee injury.

The Senegalese, 30, strained ligaments in his right knee making a challenge in Pompey's 1-0 Premier League defeat at Arsenal on 28 December.

"He has injured quite a few areas of his knee," said head physiotherapist Gary Sadler.

"But we are really concerned with his posterior cruciate ligament. He's in a brace and he's having treatment."

Diop's diagnosis came from a consultant who he will again visit in six weeks for another judgement in the hope that swelling around the knee has receded.

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The former Fulham man has played 41 times for Portsmouth, who currently lie 12th in the Premier League, and has represented his country on 38 occasions, scoring nine goals.

Portsmouth boss Tony Adams was however boosted by the news that England right-back Glen Johnson, who is continuing his rehabilitation from a bruised knee and twisted ankle, is in line for a potential return against Manchester City at the weekend.

Johnson returned to training alongside ankle injury victim Younes Kaboul last week, while winger John Utaka returned on Monday.

Midfielder Richard Hughes, who also came off against Arsenal with a slight adductor strain in his knee, is expected to return in a fortnight.