Fulham are waiting on the fitness of Dimitar Berbatov ahead of Saturday's trip to Hull.

The former Manchester United frontman has been struggling with a groin problem that kept him out of the games against Manchester City and Norwich.

However, the Bulgarian is on the road to recovery and could return to the fold at the weekend as the Cottagers look to build on the Boxing Day win at Carrow Road.

Keeper Maarten Stekelenburg will miss out again due to an ankle injury sustained in training, so David Stockdale will start against his former club.

Defensive duo Philippe Senderos and Brede Hangeland are still sidelined, but Giorgos Karagounis is expected to return to the squad after being rested.

Boss Rene Meulensteen said: "There is a chance [Berbatov will be back]. He's still not 100 per cent but again he’s improved. Hopefully he will pass the test.

"Maarten was unfortunate, he twisted his ankle in training. Luckily he is not as bad as we expected, there is no bone damage as such. He’s definitely not fit for the Hull game then we have to assess it after that."

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Fulham boosted their survival hopes with a 2-1 victory at Norwich last time out and could climb out of the drop zone with a positive result on Humberside.

Hull gave Manchester United a scare before eventually losing 3-2 on Boxing Day and Meulensteen is wary of the threat posed by Steve Bruce's side.

He said: "I like Steve as a person and know him really well. His charisma transfers into the players. He had an excellent result against Liverpool a couple of weeks ago, which was massive.

"He's not afraid to experiment with formations. His teams are well organised and have a good energy about them. He gives them the freedom to play as well."