Fulham’s defence at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday almost picks itself after three players pulled up lame in training this week.
Shaun Hutchinson, Nikolay Bodurov and Ryan Fredericks will miss the trip to Hillsborough, leaving the back four that started in the 2-1 win over Blackburn on Sunday – but not the strength in replacements.
Scott Parker, too, has gone back a square while his recent injection for a damaged ankle is allowed to take effect.
The Fulham captain had been earmarked for a spin in the U21 game against Blackburn tomorrow night, but now misses that game.
Manager Kit Symons explained: “Scott Parker had an injection at the back end of last week. We were looking for him to play in the U21s match, but it’s probably a bit too early, and at 34 we’re not rushing to get him back.
“Shaun hurt his toe in training. Nikolay Bodurov came off at the end looking sore, so we’re waiting for assessments there.
“Ryan Fredericks will not be fit.
“He’s had a slight issue with his quad, and it flared up a bit when he came on Sunday.
“We fitness tested him today and he’s not quite right, and he’s cup tied for Tuesday anyway (against Stoke in the Capital Cup), so we’re going to let that settle down, and get him 100 per cent.
“If he’s got a slightly dodgy quad and he’s running that quick as he was on Sunday, he’ll be catching pigeons when he’s absolutely right.”
Symons is heartened by a Hillsborough pitch much better than the cow patch produced when Whites drew 1-1 there in March, even if only three of that Fulham side is likely to feature this time. Here is a reminder of the game.
“I watched them play Bolton the other night," the gaffer added. "They played some really good football. They had people who can run in from behind. And big (Atdhe) Nuhiu is a presence up front.
"Their pitch is a lot better, which will allow them to play better passing football."
