Carlisle's new loan signing Jake Jervis is expected to add a bit more firepower up front for this home clash.
The 20-year-old has joined the Cumbrians on loan from Birmingham for a month and manager Greg Abbott is hoping the 6ft 3in striker can go some way to filling the void left by Lee Miller and Francois Zoko.
Miller is currently sidelined with an ankle injury and may miss the next four weeks, while Zoko left Brunton Park this summer to join Notts County.
Abbott's attacking options had already been limited as both Rory Loy, working his way back from a broken leg, and Paddy Madden (ankle) are also unavailable.
Danny Cadamarteri made his full debut for the Cumbrians in the midweek home defeat to Tranmere and is expected to partner Jervis.
Abbott could be tempted to make several other changes after Tuesday night's disappointing surrender with midfielder David Symington, striker Mark Beck and defender Chris Chantler all pressing their claims stepping off the bench.
Meanwhile, Portsmouth will check on Lee Williamson ahead of the long trip to Brunton Park.
Midfielder Williamson limped off during the first half of Tuesday night's 2-2 draw at Colchester with a hamstring problem and was replaced by Adam Webster.
Jordan Obita could be in line for a full debut after his stunning impact as a substitute in midweek.
The winger, who is on loan from Reading, only met his new team-mates on the coach to the match but scored with his very first touch for the club to snatch a point.
With only 17 players at his disposal boss Michael Appleton is unlikely to make any other changes to his starting line-up as they go in search of their first win of the season.
