Manager Roy Hogdson has some interesting decisions to make regarding his lineup today against Juventus in the Europa League. Fulham have several players that will not be available for this game. The reasons for lack of availability are injuries, illnesses, suspensions, and being cup-tied.
Brede Hangeland injured himself in the last game against Manchester United. According to the Fulhamfc.com article, " Europa Team News" he did return to training on Wednesday. This is a quote from Roy Hogdson in the article. Hogdson stated, “Brede trained on Wednesday morning after taking a severe blow to his chest against Manchester United. He’s recovered certainly much quicker than we expected but a decision will be made tomorrow [Thursday]".
The illness issue I had read rumors about on a Fulham Messageboard. According to the Fulhamfc.com article "Europa Team News" Bjorn Helge Riise came down with an illness in Torino. He is still expected to be on the bench for Fulham. Roy Hogdson stated " Bjorn Helge Riise trained for the first time today [Wednesday]. He was seriously ill. He was ill the day before the game against Juventus in Torino and spent two and a half days in hospital being fed intravenously."
Fulham have two suspension for this match. Danny Murphy and Jonathan Greening will both not be available for the match. I am curious to see who Hogdson puts in there place in central midfield.
Fulham also have a few players that are cup-tied and not available. Nicky Shorey on defense and Stefano Okaka as a striker are not eligible to play for Fulham in any Europa League match.
As I mentioned earlier Hogdson has some interesting decision to make. If Hangeland can't play I would assume Chris Smalling will play in his place. The central midfield should be interesting to see who players there. Paul Konchesky should be back in place of Shorey on defense. Roy also has moved players to different positions to fit the needs of the team. I have a feeling we might see some of that today.
In my opinion Fulham still have enough good players available to be very competitive tonight. It will just be interesting to see what Hogdson does with his lineup. This afternoon can't come fast enough for me.