Source: Telegraph
Fulham striker Bobby Zamora facing race to be fit for Europa League return leg
After shrugging off the effects of a 17-hour coach journey to claim a 0-0 first-leg draw at the Nordbank Arena, Fulham are now crossing their fingers Zamora can show equal fortitude after aggravating a long-standing Achilles problem during the opening stages. [LNB]The striker is definitely out of Sunday's Premier League encounter with Everton, even if the suspicion remains that he will be fit for one of the most important games in Fulham's history. [LNB] Related ArticlesHamburg 0 Fulham 0Europa League semis to go aheadHodgson: Fulham can turn tie aroundHodgson hails Fulham's 'wonderful night' in EuropeHodgson: Fulham face a 'very tough' matchSport on television"Bobby has had this problem with his Achilles for some while," said Hodgson. [LNB]"He has missed one or two league games but he felt okay yesterday and we hope he would get through the game. [LNB]"But even in the first half he was struggling with it. The medical staff gave him the all-clear to start the second half but they warned me I might have to take him off. [LNB]"We have one week to deal with the problem. It is not a fresh injury so we hope a week gives us the chance to put it right because I would say he has no chance of being fit for Sunday." [LNB]The threat of being without their leading goalscorer inevitably brings a concern, especially as Fulham have hardly been free-scoring recently. [LNB]However, Hodgson is confident his team do know where the goal is. [LNB]"We have goals in this team," he said. "We created one or two very dangerous moments and the atmosphere at Craven Cottage next week will help us as well." [LNB]There is bound to be an optimistic air around the Fulham camp after such a significant result. [LNB]Although they offered little themselves, Fulham succeeded in keeping Hamburg relatively quiet. [LNB]However, Hodgson is cautioning against a feeling that the job is already done. [LNB]"It would be worse than dangerous, it would be downright foolish," said Hodgson of the prospect of thinking victory had already been achieved. [LNB]"We are at half-time, and we have to play another 90-minute half. [LNB]"Not many people leave stadiums at half-time, or go for a cup of tea thinking the game has been won. [LNB]"There is a lot of football to be played and Hamburg are a very good team. If they score a goal next week the advantage passes to them. [LNB]"The tie is open but I am delighted about that because it is very easy to put yourself out of contention."[LNB]
