Parker hopeful over Johansen but Mawson has new injury worry

Scott Parker expects Stefan Johansen to recover in time for Fulham’s Championship opener next Saturday after the midfielder limped off towards the end of their pre-season defeat at home to West Ham.

But Alfie Mawson, who missed the majority of last season through a knee injury sustained while putting on his boots, also had to be helped off the pitch with a knee complaint early in the second half, and Parker is unsure of its severity.

“I’m not really sure as it’s still a bit early,” Parker said shortly after the match. “I’ve not spoken to the medical team yet.

“I think Stefan was okay. Again, I haven’t spoken to the medical team, but I had a brief chat with him after the game and it seemed it was just a bit of a knock.”

Parker added: “They’ll be assessed tomorrow and we’ll go from there.”

Injury setbacks aside, the former Fulham and West Ham captain is happy with the way his squad battled back in the final pre-season match ahead of their trip to Barnsley in a week’s time.

“It was a very good run-out against a very good side,” he said. “I felt like we were very passive in the first half, didn’t really get to them and struggled a little bit. I’d probably put that down to the quality of their side and the players they have in their team.

“I think they showed their quality in the first half and put us on the back foot, but we grew into the game in the second half and I was pleased with the way we finished. We certainly created a few chances, which was pleasing.”