PORTSMOUTH player-manager Steve Claridge, dressed in slacks and a jumper, hobbled towards the changing rooms at the University of Southampton Sports Ground with a resigned look on his face.

"Even as a player, I've never known a situation as bad as this," he reflected. "I just had eight first-teamers out there training today. I've got no idea who I'll have available for Saturday."

Wimbledon line-up at Fratton Park tomorrow, and Claridge is doutbful whether he himself will see any action. The Blues' leading scorer sat out last week's 1-1 draw at Wolves, and is struggling to be fit for tomorrow.

He added: "It's both my foot and my hamstring. I played on it the other week and I didn't do myself any favours. I may have to take some painkillers to play on Saturday."

Claridge has major injury worries over Thomas Thogersen (thigh), Jason Crowe (back). Shaun Derry misses the match through suspension.

Justin Edinburgh is still more than a month away from a first-team return through a calf injury, while defender Linvoy Primus is expected to have an operation on his groin at Harley Street next week. Ceri Hughes plays against his former club, even though he will be going under the knife next week for a tear in the groin muscle.

Midfielder Gary O'Neil is still a little way off returning to action after knee surgery, and striker Rory Allen is back in training after a knee injury, but not in contention.

Lee Mills could have been in contention tomorrow for his first match back since a knee injury last autumn but the club record £1.2 million signing from Bradford last summer missed out in midweek when the reserves game with Gillingham was postponed.

"It is not ideal," added Claridge. "But, I suppose it gives other players a chance to prove what they can do, and sometimes in the face of adversity you do well."

Pompey will travel to face Grimsby Town on Saturday, January 27, the club confirmed today.

The date was originally set aside for the fourth round of the FA Cup but both teams were beaten at the third round stage.

The original game, scheduled for December 30, was postponed due to snow and ice.