Niemi closing in on return
24 Jan 2007 - 09:33:33
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- Niemi closing in on return
Injured Fulham goalkeeper Antti Niemi has set his sights on a return to training next week as he bids to bounce back from a neck injury that has kept him on the sidelines since New Year's Day.
The Finland international left the field during the Cottagers' goalless draw with Watford in a neck brace after falling awkwardly on his head while collecting a high ball.
Despite fears that Niemi had suffered a serious neck injury, further scans revealed only soft tissue damage which the 34-year-old former Southampton keeper claims is healing well.
"I'm doing exercises, using weights, doing a bit of bike work and handling drills to keep my hands sharp, but at the moment I have to avoid anything that involves sudden movements," Niemi told his official website.
"Obviously with this sort of injury you have to be cautious about saying when you are going to be ready to play again, but I'm looking to return to training in the next week or so.
"At that point I'll have a better idea of where I'm at and we can take it from there.
"I'm keen to be playing again as soon as I can and I'm pretty sure that the injury won't affect me psychologically in any way.
"As a keeper you have to put yourself in harm's way a bit and that's just the way it is."