John Mousinho has revealed the reason behind Freddie Potts’ unexpected Cardiff absence.

The promising midfielder was not included to the Blues squad for the first time since joining on a season-long loan from West Ham in August.

However, rather than a selection choice, Mousinho later disclosed that the absence was due to a calf injury sustained at Bramall Lane on Saturday.

As a result, Isaac Hayden was chosen over Marlon Pack to start with Andre Dozzell in the midfield for the 2-1 victory over the Bluebirds.

Pompey’s manager thinks Potts’ injury is ‘nothing catastrophic’, but he will also miss Saturday’s game against Oxford United.

Mousinho informed The News that Freddie felt his calf over the weekend and had it checked on Monday.

‘It’s nothing serious; he’ll be out for approximately ten days and hopefully back for QPR (February 22).

‘I’d say he’s 50/50 on Oxford. I just don’t believe it’s worth endangering him right now, given where we’re headed and how thick every pitch is with the recent rain.

Potts had appeared in all Pompey matches since his debut against Burnley on September 21.

That translated to 27 consecutive appearances, 25 of which were starts, with the Hammers prodigy flourishing in his debut Championship season.

During a standout loan spell with Wycombe in League One last season, he was named Supporters’ Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season, and Young Player of the Season.

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