Palhinha set to miss Fulham opener

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Fulham will be without key midfielder Joao Palhinha for Saturday’s season opener against Everton at Goodison Park.

The Portugal international is still recovering from the shoulder injury he sustained in last month’s pre-season friendly against Brentford in the United States.


Fulham boss Marco Silva was hopeful Palhinha would be fit to start the new campaign. But the second match of the season, against Brentford, is now a more realistic target.

Andreas Pereira, who suffered a knee injury at the end of last season is also a doubt along with Tom Cairney who picked up a knock in pre-season.

“For sure Joao is out, he has been doing remedial work but is not with the full team yet,” Silva said.

“We have some other knocks over the last few days but for there is some doubts about Pereira. The others are not too serious.”

Tim Ream is fit to travel to Merseyside after breaking his arm late last season against Manchester City.

New signing Calvin Bassey is set to make his debut for the club following his move from Ajax.