Former Preston North End defender Joe Rafferty’s first season with Portsmouth isn’t going to plan as he is set for a significant spell on the sidelines.
Pompey manager Danny Cowley revealed to The News that the full back has aggravated a groin injury that has already kept him out for the last six weeks. He will need an operation next week, and it looks like he’ll be out till February at the earliest.
“We are probably looking at three months. It’s the same groin, a slightly different joint, but it’s the same area, which is frustrating.”
“It’s disappointment and frustration in equal measure, particularly for a boy who’s had very little injury background to this point, but they are the cards dealt to us, which we’ll have to accept.”
Rafferty joined Portsmouth on a free transfer this summer after three-and-a-half years with North End where he made 73 appearances.
He never really nailed down a regular first team spot but was a capable back up option for both the right and left sides of the defence for Preston. Prone to the odd mistake, own goal or red card it didn’t make much sense in extending his deal.
The former Rochdale defender had started the first seven games in the league for Portsmouth this season but this injury has already kept him out since September.
Rafferty was a popular figure in the dressing room at Preston and some of his former teammates were quick to wish him well after he made a post about the injury on Instagram.
Daniel Johnson commented ‘Speedy and healthy recovery my boy’, whilst Sean Maguire said ‘Head up bud, you’ll be back in no time’.
Brad Potts and Ryan Ledson were also among the players to show their support for Rafferty. The 29-year-old looked set to be a key player for Portsmouth in League One this season, as shown by starting seven in a row for them. Unlike the top two tiers League One doesn’t take a break for the World Cup this year. So it doesn’t give Rafferty chance to recover during a break.
For Preston players like Troy Parrott who has already been out for a month and Ben Whiteman, who’s injury was confirmed today, they can use the gap to help get back to full fitness without missing too many games.