Chris Coleman has failed to delay Papa Bouba Diop's departure for the African Nations Cup.
Fulham have failed in their bid to delay Papa Bouba Diop's departure for the African Nations Cup.Cottagers boss Chris Coleman had hoped the Senegal midfielder would be available for Saturday's FA Cup tie with Leyton Orient and the subsequent Premiership clash with Newcastle.
However, the Senegalese football authorities have refused his request and Diop has already left to link up with the national squad as they prepare for the tournament in Egypt.
"We were hoping to hang on to Bouba but we've talked to the Senegalese FA and there was nothing happening there, so unfortunately he's gone away," Coleman said.
"Now we have to make sure that he's fit when he comes back and is ready to start for us. It's a big loss to us."
