Abdul Razak has returned to Manchester City following a month on loan at Pompey.
The Premier League club wanted the 19-year-old midfielder back with them – but Blues boss Michael Appleton would love him to return to Fratton Park again if possible.
Razak made three appearances for Pompey, starting the 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest and coming off the bench at Derby and Watford.
Appleton said: “Abdul came on at Watford and did everything I would expect a midfield player to do, so it’s disappointing that he has gone back.
“He’s a talent that I would have liked to have worked with for longer to get the best out of him, particularly playing higher up the pitch because he can pick a pass out.
“But I don’t blame Manchester City for wanting him back because they’ve got some big games coming up.
“If he gets utilised up there, that’s fantastic. But if he doesn’t play that many games the door here will not be shut, especially for one with the talent he has.”