Fulham defender Jon Harley’s current loan spell with Sheffield United could be over depending on how long it will take to recover from his injury.

Harley returned to Fulham for treatment following the Sunderland game but a full diagnosis has been hampered by swelling.

Another examination later this week should point to the length of time it will take him to recover, and if that looks like being a matter of weeks, the indication from Bramall Lane is that the loan – recently extended for a further two months – will be cut short.