Fulham boss Chris Coleman has been dealt a blow with the news that midfielder Sean Davis is set to miss the opening three games of the new season.

Davis has been ruled out of action for up to six weeks after a scan on a knee injury sustained during the club’s pre-season friendly against Austrian side ASK Voitsberg last week.

The midfielder is therefore set to miss the opening Premiership games against Middlesbrough, Everton – the club that tried to sign him earlier this summer – and Newcastle.

He will be hoping to return to action in time for the match against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on August 30.

However, even that could be too soon if his recovery is delayed and he may then have to wait until after the international dates to return against Birmingham on September 14.

Fulham physio Jason Palmer told the club’s website: “Sean has a grade two injury to the medial ligament of his right knee. He’s just had a scan which confirmed our diagnosis.

“He’s going to have a couple of day’s rest before joining us in Scotland, where we will continue with further treatment. If all goes well, we’re looking at a recovery time of five to six weeks.”

Having tried so hard to keep Davis at the club despite Everton’s interest, Coleman will be frustrated to be without him at the start of the season, but will have to be conscious of not rushing him back into action too soon.

Palmer added: “For the first couple of weeks he’ll be in a brace, which will control his knee’s range of motion.

“We’ll then start him on some strengthening work just to make sure there isn’t much muscle wastage. Within a few weeks, we’ll have him doing some heavy strengthening and balance work.

“He’s now almost at the point where he can take pressure on his leg but you’ve got to be careful in the early stages of recovery not to put too much weight on the area.”