Brede Hangeland’s back to plug the holes at leaky Fulham

 
Giuseppe Muro14 January 2014

Fulham are confident that Brede Hangeland will not suffer any recurrence of the back problem which has kept the defender sidelined for three months.

Hangeland has not played since October because of nerve damage that affected his right leg but he is likely to make his long-awaited return against Norwich tonight.

The Fulham captain, 32, underwent surgery to clear the injury last month and manager Rene Meulensteen has no concerns over his player’s long-term fitness.

Meulensteen (below) must now decide whether to start Hangeland, who is back in full training, at Craven Cottage tonight.

“The surgery we did was the right thing to do and he is fine now,” said Meulensteen. “He is knocking on the door again and he is raring to go.”

Hangeland cannot return from injury soon enough for Fulham, who have conceded 46 goals in 21 games this season — 11 more than any other Premier League team.

They have shipped 36 goals in 13 League games without Hangeland but have let in only 10 in eight with him in the team.

Poor defending has been a recurring theme for Fulham this season and Meulensteen said: “Only time will show just how much we have missed him.

“He was very frustrated with the injury and he wants to help get things back on track.

“He is an experienced central defender, calm on the ball and capable of playing out from the back. He is also an attacking threat in the opposition box from corners and set-pieces. It is a big boost to have him back.”

Fulham, who were beaten 4-1 by Sunderland on Saturday and are just one point above the relegation zone, host Norwich tonight in an FA Cup third-round replay following their 1-1 draw at Carrow Road earlier this month.

Meulensteen may decide to rest key players ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Arsenal so Dan Burn, 21, and Chris David, 20, may be given a chance to impress.

The Fulham manager, who is committed to ensuring the progression of his best youngsters into the senior squad, said: “The demands in the Premier League are high and everybody is fighting for something.

“It is logic that managers are playing their best team week in, week out.

“The cups give managers an opportunity to give young players a chance. Otherwise where do we see opportunities for these players to test them and bring them through?

“We definitely want to progress in the FA Cup and that is why you have a squad, to deal with the cup competitions.”

Goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, who is close to returning after three weeks out with an ankle injury, will be given a late fitness test but he is more likely to make his comeback against Arsenal.

Meulensteen hopes to strengthen his squad this month and remains confident of keeping Dimitar Berbatov.

The former Tottenham and Manchester United striker has only scored four Premier League goals this season but Meulensteen knows he is crucial to Fulham’s survival chances.

Live on BT Sport 1, 7.45pm

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