Hayles injury blow for Fulham

Fulham were rocked by a fresh injury blow tonight on the eve of the UEFA Cup third round, first leg showdown with Hertha Berlin in Germany.

It was discovered today that striker Barry Hayles, already sidelined for a fortnight with pain around his neck vertebrae, could need an operation to resolve the problem – meaning he would face months out of action.

The good news for boss Jean Tigana is that Luis Boa Morte is hopeful of recovering from his thigh problem, although Sylvain Legwinski is ruled out with his back injury.

Forward Louis Saha is expected to be out until the start of February recovering from his hamstring operation.

Team (from): Van der Sar, Finnan, Knight, Goma, Brevett, Goldbaek, Clark, Djetou, Davis, Malbranque, Sava, Inamoto, Marlet, Melville, Boa Morte, Taylor.