Joe Morrell went on to make six competitive appearances for Bristol City having come through the Robins’ youth systemJoe Morrell in action for Bristol City against Swindon(Image: Rogan/JMP)

Former Bristol City academy graduate and midfielder Joe Morrell has taken to social media to provide an update after what he has labelled an “extremely tough and frustrating time out with injury,” having last made a competitve appearance almost 16 months ago.

Morrell, who has featured 37 for Wales in his career, came through the Robins’ youth ranks before featuring six times for the Reds across the Championship, EFL Trophy, FA Cup and League Cup. After putting pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Reds, with the option of a further year, whilst on loan at Lincoln City in November 2019, the midfielder left BS3 in the summer of 2020, joining Luton Town on a permanent basis.

The then-24-year-old found regular first-team football just as hard to come by at Kenilworth Road as he had done at Ashton Gate, and just a year later, he made the permanent move to Fratton Park with Portsmouth. Having been a regular starter when fit in his first two seasons on the South Coast, Morrell started all but three of Pompey’s 30 opening League One games in the 2023/24 season, but suffered a knee injury in John Mousinho’s side’s draw with Oxford United.

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That injury not only saw him miss the remainder of Portsmouth’s title-winning campaign, but has kept him sidelined ever since.

The now 28-year-old’s contract at Fratton Park expired at the end of last season, and while he has been without a club for the last 12 months, he has remained involved at Pompey’s training ground where the club’s medical staff are understood to have helped with his rehabilitation.

Taking to Instagram, Morrell said: “Been an extremely tough and frustrating time out with injury, but looking forward to being back doing what I do best in 25/26.

“Been a great experience and opportunity to coach this year and to complete my UEFA A Diploma and Elite Youth Diploma. Met some great people and learned a lot, thanks to FA Wales and Portsmouth.”

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While a number of Portsmouth supporters were quick to comment and wish the former Robin well, Morrell’s former City teammates Famara Diedhiou and Marlon Pack also sent their best to the midfielder. Current Pompey skipper Pack wrote: “Smashed it mate, top coach in the making,” and Diedhiou commented: “Coach Morrell love it mate.”

At this stage, it is unclear where or when Morrell will end his extended stay on the treatment table. The Wales international has understandably already, and will almost certainly continue to be, linked with a variety of clubs and having secured his UEFA A Diploma and Elite Youth Diploma he appears to have begun to prepare for a career beyond his time on the pitch.

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