Sidwell sidelined for Cottagers

Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell faces up to six weeks on the sidelines with a hernia injury, manager Martin Jol has confirmed.

The 29-year-old spent time out earlier this season after undergoing a hernia operation and could go under the knife again after suffering a similar injury in the 1-1 draw with West Brom. Sidwell played the full 90 minutes at Craven Cottage but manager Jol revealed that the central midfielder faces an extended period out.

"We had an injury to Steve Sidwell and he will be out for a long time for four, five or six weeks," Jol said.

"He had a hernia operation as you know and it is almost the same problem.

"He had an operation and we have to wait but we fear he needs another operation."