Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie has admitted that the club may have to let some of their players leave in the January transfer window because Harry Redknapp is unable to accommodate the playing wishes of his whole squad.
Storrie has confirmed that come the New Year there may well be departures as some of the club's fringe players seek regular first-team action.
"We don't have to sell but it may be that a couple of players go," Storrie told The News. "They may want to go but people will replace them if they do.
"Players come and go. That's the way it goes.
"Manchester United sold Ruud van Nistelrooy - look where they are.
"If we lose players to the African Nations' Cup we will replace them. It's a case of knowing how many will go."
He added, "You can understand the frustrations of the fringe players, but they have to be realistic."
"Pedro came in last week and was excellent. Sean Davis will be fit this weekend and may struggle to get back in.
"That shows you how far we come. That's down to Harry and the strength and depth which he has now.
"It's part of being successful."