Walsall vs Portsmouth preview: Injuries take toll as Saddlers face trophy champs

With the Saddlers just three games away from a trip to Wembley, the clash with trophy-holders Pompey will prove their biggest test in the competition this season.

Former Wolves manager Kenny Jackett has got the south coast club back on track after a tough start to League One, as Pompey sit 10th in the division.

Despite a recent upturn in results, several of Walsall’s first team have been plagued by injuries and Clarke admitted he faces a test in getting the group ready for tonight as they bid for a place in the quarter-finals.

“I feel like we just have to focus on the next game,” he said.

“We have the holders and they have a very talented squad.

“I have to have a look at the team to be honest with you, because one or two are running on empty.

“I have to be careful that I’m not losing more players for four-to-six weeks.

“You’ve seen the age of the group, you’ve seen the injuries and suspensions I’ve got.

“It’s hard to keep pushing them out there.

“We haven’t been able to be on our training ground for the last two, three weeks.

“It’s still as soft as anything, we’re training on a 4G pitch.

“I know we’re training at Lilleshall once a week but it might be the case where we’re getting one or two pulls on the 4G, which we’re going to have to assess.

“It’s just a case of galvanising the group and recovering.”

Meanwhile, Clarke has heaped praise on opposition manager Jackett as someone he ‘looks up to’.

The 57-year-old has had a successful career with good spells in charge of Millwall and Wolves, among others.

He guided Pompey to EFL Trophy victory last season and Clarke is full of admiration for his opponent.

“I like Kenny, he invited me in when I lost my job at (Bristol) Rovers.

“I went over to Pompey and Kenny’s a great man. Someone I look up to with the success he’s had.

“He’s certainly getting Portsmouth back on the right foot after a bad start.”