Juventus v Fulham preview

Hodgson: Big challenge

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Fulham will be looking to build on their best-ever European run when they take on Juventus in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Roy Hodgson's side come up against the Serie A giants in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 match at the Stadio Olimipico.

The Premier League outfit's preparations for the match in the Northern Italian city have been restricted due to bad weather, forcing them to call off their scheduled training at the stadium.

The Cottagers have been limited to a single indoor session at Juve's complex in Vinovio as they prepare for their clash with an injury-plagued home side.

Juventus news

Juventus will be without a number of key players when they welcome the Premier League side.

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, defender Giorgio Chiellini and forward Amauri are all out with thigh injuries.

Felipe Melo is suspended and boss Alberto Zaccheroni is short of midfield cover so may have to call upon Mohamed Sissoko and Claudio Marchisio, who are both carrying knocks.

Fulham news

Fulham will be without injured trio Andy Johnson, Clint Dempsey and John Pantsil for the clash in Italy, with all three players struggling with knee injuries.

Captain Danny Murphy will also miss the tie through suspension and Nicky Shorey and Stefano Okaka are both cup-tied.

Defender Paul Konchesky is available after recovering from an ankle knock and is set to replace Shorey.