Fulham defender Phillippe Christanval has been ruled out for three weeks with a hamstring injury.

The former Barcelona defender, 27, made his first Premiership start on Monday against Charlton but had to come off with the injury after 35 minutes.

The centre-back is set to miss four games, including Saturday’s match with Liverpool, the Carling Cup tie against West Brom and the trip to Wigan.

“The phantom hamstring strikes again,” said Fulham boss Chris Coleman.

Fulham signed Christanval on a free transfer on a three-year deal after he was released by Marseille during the summer.

Before he joined Fulham he had trial spells with Arsenal and Celtic.

Christanval, who has six France caps to his name, was part of Monaco’s 2000 championship-winning side.