Portsmouth boss Tony Adams left Jermain Defoe out of their 0-0 draw with FA Cup opponents Bristol City.
Defoe was a victim of influenza amid heavy speculation linking him with a return to Tottenham in the January transfer window.
Adams said: "Jermain was out with 'flu and I didn't have to make the decision whether to bring him back but I also lost Papa and Richard Hughes through injuries and had to make some changes in any case.
"Jermain is not very well but hopefully we will see him at training on Monday."