Louis Saha is poised to replace the injured Barry Hayles up front as Fulham travel to Birmingham on Sunday.
Hayles, who scored twice in the Whites’ stunning 3-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur before the international break, will miss up to five weeks of football after being stretched off when playing for Jamaica against Australia last Sunday. French forward Saha, so pivotal in Fulham’s promotion to the top flight, is believed to be Chris Coleman’s first choice to step in for Hayles although Argentinian striker Facundo Sava is also a possible option in attack.
Some of Coleman’s other injury concerns have abated ahead of the trip to St. Andrew’s. Andy Melville has recovered from the foot problem that has prevented him from playing a part so far this season, whilst utility man Martin Djetou is available again after a thigh injury. New signing Mark Pembridge could make his debut in midfield having finalised a £500,000 switch from Everton at the start of the month.
