Pompey unsure on Boateng

Boateng: Ankle problem

Portsmouth first-team coach Paul Groves hopes to have Kevin-Prince Boateng back from an ankle problem before the end of the season.

The midfielder has been in Germany recovering from the injury and last month he criticised the club's 'amateurish' medical care.

Speculation has suggested that he may not return to action this term and Groves admits he is still at an early stage in his rehabilitation.

But Groves expects Boateng to come back to England in the near future if he does not suffer any setbacks.

"Kevin is carrying on with his rehabilitation and will continue to do that for a few weeks yet," Groves told The News.

"He's still in Germany. We're not sure when he's coming back at this moment in time.

"Going back home initially gave him an opportunity to see his family and after that period he's continued to do his work over there.

"At the moment there is limited work that he can do. Once he can start progressing then he comes back over to us."

Groves believes Boateng will be handling his injury with the right attitude and working hard to get back on the pitch as quickly as possible.

He said: "Kevin's a fit lad, he's a determined lad, so hopefully he can make good progress and we see him back before the end of the season.

"Of course, that depends on his rehabilitation and how that progresses in regards to his reaction when he steps things up.

"If he has a setback you have to go back two-three days, which can start to prolong things.

"We will have to see."

Ben-Haim and Mokoena

Boateng may be some way off a return but Tal Ben-Haim and Aaron Mokoena are expected to be available for Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final against Birmingham.

Ben-Haim has recovered from a groin operation and is currently on international duty with Israel, while Mokoena is back following a knee ligament strain.

Groves added: "Slowly things are clearing up and we have a bigger squad to choose from.

"Tal started to join in training at the back of last week so for him to be involved at the weekend against Burnley was too quick.

"This week there are a few more days training behind him so subsequently he can start looking to play a bit of football.

"Aaron joined in training at the tail-end of last week and is a little bit further on."