Image:Steve Sidwell: Has suffered slight setback in recovery from hernia operation
Martin Jol has confirmed that neither Damien Duff nor Steve Sidwell will be available for Fulham's trip to Arsenal.
Cottagers missing midfield pair for Emirates trip
Fulham boss Martin Jol has confirmed that neither Damien Duff nor Steve Sidwell will be available for Saturday's trip to Arsenal.
Duff played in last week's 0-0 draw at Sunderland but the Irish winger has picked up a calf problem so will not feature at the Emirates.
Sidwell missed the Sunderland game having undergone a hernia operation and although it was hoped the 28-year-old midfielder would be fit in time to face Arsenal, the home game against Liverpool is now a more realistic target.
"He is still recovering from his hernia operation," Jol confirmed.
New target
"It's disappointing because we thought it would take 10 days but it's taking a bit longer. Hopefully he will be fit next week."
Left-back John Arne Riise will return after missing the Sunderland game to be at the birth of his son, but Stephen Kelly (thigh) remains out.
However, there is some positive news for the Cottagers with midfielder Simon Davies and Portuguese forward Orlando Sa not far from coming back into first-team contention.
"Simon will be back in the next two weeks," said Jol.
"He will play a game with the development squad first and then hopefully join the first team."
The Dutch coach added: "Orlando is back in training this week but won't be ready for Saturday's match."