Yahoo Sports Portsmouth sign Robins defender Atkinson on loan
Portsmouth have signed Bristol City centre-back Rob Atkinson on loan until the end of the season.
Atkinson has not made a first-team appearance in almost two years after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury on 18 February 2023 and makes the move to "get match minutes" according to his parent club.
The 26-year-old played for the Robins' under-21 side this winter as he built up his fitness ahead of a return, and has been an unused substitute for 11 of their past 12 Championship matches.
"The loan move will allow Rob to get valuable minutes at this level, which will continue to aid his return from injury," said Bristol City technical director Brian Tinnion.
Atkinson, whose current deal with Bristol City runs until 2026, has made 66 appearances for the club, scoring six goals, since signing from Oxford United in 2021.
"Rob is a proven Championship centre-half, who is excellent defensively and very dominant," said Portsmouth manager John Mousinho.
"He can also handle bringing the ball out from the back."
Analysis - 'A very capable Championship defender'
Andrew Moon, BBC Radio Solent's Portsmouth commentator
A centre-back and a central midfielder are Portsmouth's top priorities in this window, so they'll be pleased to get one of them in so quickly.
John Mousinho knows Rob Atkinson from their time together at Oxford United and Atkinson proved himself a very capable Championship defender before suffering a serious knee injury.
In some ways it's surprising he's been allowed to leave on loan but he's yet to play a minute of football this season. Portsmouth and Bristol City will be hoping it isn't long before he's back to his best.
Pompey want at least one further addition before their trip to Blackburn Rovers on 15 January.
