Source: Team_Talk
Dembele out for 'two to three weeks'
Fulham boss Mark Hughes has confirmed striker Moussa Dembele will only be out for "two to three weeks" with his ankle injury.[LNB] Dembele was carried off following an injury-time tackle by Stoke defender Andy Wilkinson in Tuesday night's 2-0 Carling Cup defeat at the Britannia Stadium.[LNB]Hughes was furious with the challenge, which he branded "absolutely ridiculous", and initially feared the £5million summer signing from AZ Alkmaar had broken his leg.[LNB]But a scan revealed that Belgium international Dembele, who has scored three goals this season in a fine start to life at Craven Cottage, had sustained only minor ankle ligament damage.[LNB]"Moussa had a scan after the initial impact of the injury had settled down," said Hughes. "At the moment it looks like he'll be out for two to three weeks. He should be fit and well after the international break.[LNB]"The challenge was unnecessary and we're thankful the injury isn't more serious than it is.[LNB]"At the time I was extremely angry and made my feelings known.[LNB]"We've been really pleased with what Dembele has produced and he's been a big reason behind the positive start we've had.[LNB]"Not to have him available because of a tackle so late in the game is frustrating for everybody."[LNB]Adding to the sense of frustration is that Dembele had made a promising start to life at Craven Cottage, scoring three goals including both strikes in the 2-1 victory over Wolves.[LNB]"We've been really pleased with what Dembele's produced and he's been a big reason behind the positive start we've had," said Hughes.[LNB]"Not to have him available because of a tackle so late in the game is frustrating for everybody."[LNB]Saturday's opponents Everton are without a win in five Premier League matches so far this season and the pressure on manager David Moyes is mounting.[LNB]"The way Everton have started is surprising and I think it has surprised David Moyes as well," said Hughes.[LNB]"David had stated that the group of players he has is probably the strongest during his time at the club.[LNB]"That's quite a statement and he's frustrated by what has happened at the beginning of the season. He's probably scratching his head.[LNB]"They are a little bit wounded and will look to improve. We have to be ready."
