FULHAM WAITING ON SIDWELL RETURN

The exact return date for Steve Sidwell looks to be a matter of luck now, as Fulham will be hoping that the former Aston Villa midfielder will recover in time for the match against Swansea.

Steve Sidwell has had a hernia operation recently and has been out for quite a while now. However, his return will add so much needed strength to the side, which has looked at totally out of depth away from home. To add to the misery, Fulham manager Martin Jol has fallen out with the class leading marksman Bobby Zamora, and it could spell more trouble for the team.

Fulham do need the services of Bobby Zamora, as he is the only player who is capable of getting goals for a regular basis for the London team. The return of Steve Sidwell also becomes extremely crucial due to the fact that captain Danny Murphy is likely to be out for a couple of weeks after suffering a badly swollen ankle. Danny Murphy was the architect for Fulham in their win over Liverpool on Monday, and the absence of the skipper will certainly pose a lot of problems for the visit to Swansea. Swansea’s home form has been inspirational this season, as it has been largely responsible for the team to avoid relegation struggle so far.

It is going to be an extremely tough match and Martin Jol was quick to comment regarding the possible return of Steve Sidwell. “I was a bit disappointed because he [Sidwell] needed a minor operation and they told me maybe he would play the next match after 10 days, but he still feels it – it’s still painful after the operation. But hopefully he will be fit for the next game,” Jol said.