Injury problems mount for Tigana

Jean Tigana faces an injury nightmare with seven first-team players out of the Boxing Day derby date at West Ham.

Fulham’s growing injury problems came to a head in the 2-0 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday, when goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar broke a bone in his right foot when he fouled Alan Shearer.

The big Dutchman is out for a month – meaning reserve keeper Maik Taylor will be between the sticks against the Hammers.

Forward trio Louis Saha (hamstring), Facundo Sava (calf) and Barry Hayles (neck) are all out until January or beyond.

Luis Boa Morte (thigh) was also expected to be out until next year, but he could return over Christmas if he passes pre-match fitness tests.

Steve Marlet is expected to start up front again at Upton Park alongside stand-in striker Steed Malbranque.

Midfield pair Lee Clark (calf) and Junichi Inamoto (ankle) are sidelined for up to a month.

PROVISIONAL SQUAD: Taylor, Finnan, Ouaddou, Melville, Goma, Knight, Brevett, Wome, Davis, Goldbaek, Legwinski, Djetou, Marlet, Taylor, Malbranque, Stolcers, Herrera.