FulhamĀ have been handed a massive boost with the news that Belgian forward Moussa Dembele will only miss three weeks of football after suffering minor ankle ligament damage in the 2-0 defeat by Stoke on Tuesday night.

Mark Hughes was furious with the ‘absolutely ridiculous’ challenge by Andy Wilkinson that saw Dembele carried off on a stretcher in injury time at the end of the midweek Carling Cup tie. Having seen Bobby Zamora suffer a broken leg at the weekend, Hughes feared the worst for Dembele, who made an instant impact on his arrival in English football after signing from AZ Alkmaar during the summer. Hughes revealed that Dembele, who has already scored three goals for Fulham this season, could return in time for the October 16 clash with Tottenham at Craven Cottage.

Moussa had a scan after the initial impact of the injury had settled down. ‘At the moment it looks like he’ll be out for two to three weeks. He should be fit and well after the international break

The challenge was unnecessary and we’re thankful the injury isn’t more serious than it is. At the time I was extremely angry and made my feelings known.

We’ve been really pleased with what Dembele has produced and he’s been a big reason behind the positive start we’ve had. Not to have him available because of a tackle so late in the game is frustrating for everybody.