Portsmouth Receive Major Pre-Season Fitness Boost in Unexpected Setting
Portsmouth’s preparations for the 2025–26 Championship season took an unconventional turn this week, as their pre-season activities intensified with a notable return to action from a key player looking to make an impact.
Jacob Farrell’s comeback to first-team training has given Pompey fans renewed optimism, with the Australian defender joining full team sessions as pre-season ramped up under manager John Mousinho following the squad’s return from summer break.
Farrell Returns in Unusual Training Venue
The 22-year-old was spotted participating in training drills with his teammates on Wednesday, though the session was held away from Portsmouth’s usual Hilsea training ground.
The club posted footage on their official X (formerly Twitter) account showing the squad training at a scenic off-site location, featuring green surroundings, a large building, and nearby water with boats. In the clips, Farrell is seen actively engaging in warm-ups and ball drills, later teaming up with Terry Devlin and fellow Australian Hayden Matthews for passing exercises.
In one video, Farrell responded with “good, a bit tired” when asked about his condition by club media officer Max Swatton—indicating steady progress after a frustrating injury-hit debut season at Fratton Park.
Carefully Managed Rehab Pays Off
Farrell’s return marks a significant step after a tailored recovery plan that allowed him to return to Australia early last season. There, he continued his rehabilitation from a medial collateral ligament injury with support from the Australian Football Association.
Back in April, Mousinho explained:
“Jacob returned to Australia to complete the final stages of his rehab with a physio from the Australian FA. That decision was made so we could get him back sooner. Rather than giving him the summer off, we opted to send him home early—so he could return fully fit for pre-season.
“He’s working with the national team physio, so we’re confident he’s in great hands. Our relationship with them is strong, which really helped facilitate this plan.”
Training Ground Updates Underway
The decision to train away from their Hilsea base comes as work continues on improving the club’s main training facilities. Upgrades include the installation of a new irrigation system and standard maintenance across all three training pitches.
What’s next for the team in the coming days remains to be seen, as Pompey look ahead to a full week of training before heading to their pre-season camp in Slovakia.
