Source: Daily_Mail
Moussa Dembele making good progress as striker eyes Christmas comeback for Fulham
Moussa Dembele hopes to hand Fulham a much-needed boost by returning to training this week. [LNB]The Belgium striker, who has scored three times since his £5million transfer from AZ Alkmaar this summer, has been out of action since aggravating an ankle injury while on international duty last month. [LNB]Without him and fellow injury victim Bobby Zamora, the Cottagers have struggled in front of goal and now find themselves just outside the relegation zone on goal difference. [LNB] On the mend: Dembele (centre) is hoping to be back in the Fulham attack[LNB]Dembele had pencilled in last weekend's postponed match at Liverpool for his comeback but that plan was scrapped after it was decided that the striker needed a further week of rehabilitation. [LNB]The 23-year-old now hopes to return to training this week with the aim of playing some part in a crucial festive programme that sees Fulham take on West Ham, Stoke and Tottenham within the space of six days.[LNB] 'I hope to train this week and see how I feel - at the moment I feel good,' Dembele told Fulham's website. 'The recovery has been very slow. I thought it was going to be faster but the most important thing is that I feel good now. [LNB]'I had a good rehabilitation. The most important thing is that my ankle is strong now so I'm happy about that.[LNB] [LNB]Feeling the heat: Craven Cottage boss Hughes[LNB]Fulham's progress has been hindered by their failure to win in their last seven games and the fact that they have drawn 10 games this season - more than any other team in the Barclays Premier League. [LNB]Manager Mark Hughes has the backing of chairman Mohamed Al Fayed and Dembele has seen cause for optimism in the club's draw against Sunderland and narrow defeat at Arsenal. [LNB]He continued: 'We played very well in the second half against Arsenal and we were also good against Sunderland. We attacked well and took the initiative but we didn't have the luck. [LNB]'I think the team has been playing well but it's not a new thing this year - we've played a lot of good games but we got too many draws and it has to change now. We have to win games now. [LNB]'I think our luck will come. You can't play well and not get the points for too long. I think we're going to start picking up points; the secret is to continue playing well. There has to be a point where it will turn and things will be with us. It's always like that.[LNB]'If you start getting too disappointed it can have a negative effect. We have to keep focusing and I'm sure we're going to get the points.'[LNB] Arsenal, Fulham, Spurs and Liverpool target Federici may quit ReadingAll I want for Xmas... Sportsmail's club-by-club Premier League wishlistWeather woe grinds on but Premier League insists it will cope with pile-upFULHAM FC
