Volz could head back to Arsenal
On-loan Fulham defender Moritz Volz could soon be on his way back to Arsenal.
The German right-back has played an instrumental role in Fulham's rise to seventh in the table, even though flu restricted him to the first half of yesterday's win at Blackburn.
However, the 20-year-old graduate of the Arsenal Academy knows he could be sent back to Highbury at 24 hours notice if Cameroon international Lauren is given a lengthy ban for his role in the so-called Battle of Old Trafford.
Volz hadn't played in the Premiership before this season but says his performances with Fulham have increased his belief that he can make the grade at Arsenal.
"I am grateful to Chris Coleman (Fulham manager) for giving me the chance to experience the Premiership," said Volz. "I've learnt something each week and gained confidence.
"I do see it as a stepping stone to being a first-team Arsenal player. I've been at their Academy since I was 16 and wouldn't still be at the club if I didn't think I could make the grade there.
"More importantly, they wouldn't have kept me unless they feel the same."
Volz is on loan at Fulham until the end of December but may get his chance at Arsenal sooner than that.
The Gunners' thin squad is set to be stretched with six players hit with charges after the controversial clash at Manchester United.
Lauren alone is facing two charges of violent behaviour and two charges of improper conduct.
"Arsenal can call me back at 24 hours notice," said Volz. "I can't see them terminating my loan if Lauren is suspended for only one or two matches. But if it's longer the situation may change."
Fulham's five-man midfield proved too much for Blackburn and they never looked back after Luis Boa Morte had opened the scoring after only five minutes. Louis Saha added a second before the hour.
Saha said: "We have a great team spirit, people said we would struggle and that has motivated us."
Fulham have defied pre-season predictions by winning three and losing only one of their first six fixtures. And Coleman is pleased with results so far. He said: "Staying up is the priority but if we play like that we should be alright."
