Fulham’s Andersen already back in training

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Joachim Andersen trained on Thursday for the first time since he suffered ankle ligament damage just days after he joined Fulham.

The new centre-back was feared to be sidelined for much longer but has “progressed well”, according to head coach Scott Parker.


The most expensive Danish player ever when signed by Lyon at the start of last season hasn’t got out of the starting blocks, and his boss is unlikely to pitch him into the proverbial six-pointer against West Brom on Monday.

But chances are Andersen will throw his hat into the ring Saturday week away to West Ham.

Parker said: “He trained today albeit in a modified training session, and we’ll see where we are with him come Monday.

“Initially we were worried about him after the scan, but things have progressed well.”

Neeskens Kebano will miss the Albion game, as will Kenny Tete, who is still recovering from a torn calf, while new defender Terence Kongolo is “still getting up to speed” after his £3m transfer from Huddersfield on transfer deadline day.

Parker pulled no punches about the importance of beating the Baggies and securing a first Premier League win.

Both sides are among the favourites for an instant return to the Championship, with Fulham bottom and Albion just two points clear of the drop zone.

“I don’t want to hide the fact this is a big, big game”, he said.

“They’re all big games, but this is massive for both of us.”