Fulham to face United without sick Coleman

Fulham could be forced to take on Manchester United at Loftus Road tomorrow without boss Chris Coleman, who has been hospitalised with an infection.

Coleman, 33, was expected to have spent his third night in hospital last night.

The Welshman was put on a drip feeding antibiotics into a vein after falling “very ill” on Tuesday morning.

He missed that night’s 3-0 FA Cup fifth-round replay victory against West Ham and – unless he returns to work in the next 24 hours – will be absent for the Premiership clash with the champions.

Fulham last night said their manager is feeling “substantially better” but did not know if he would be out of hospital in time to take his seat in the Loftus Road dugout.

If Coleman does not recover, assistant Steve Kean will remain in temporary charge of team affairs.

Kean has spoken to Coleman’s wife Belinda and revealed the boss, a father of four, was instructed to stay away from the West Ham game for fear of infecting his players.

Fulham say Coleman’s illness was diagnosed on Tuesday but the club have not disclosed details of the ailment or where he is being treated.

A Cottagers spokesman last night told the Press Association: “The situation has not changed.

“Chris is still receiving treatment and has had 24 to 48 hours’ bed-rest.”

Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed, upon hearing of Coleman’s situation, sent his personal medic to offer the manager assistance.

Al Fayed’s spokesman revealed: “Mr Al Fayed sent his own doctor to see Chris in hospital.”