Rene Meulensteen has confirmed that Maarten Stekelenburg will miss Fulham’s trip to Hull City tomorrow after injuring his ankle in training on Christmas Eve.

Although a scan has shown the Dutch international has not suffered any ligament damage after sustaining the injury, Stekelenburg could also be absent for the home fixture against West Ham on New Year’s Day and Fulham don’t intend to rush him back. David Stockdale deputised ably in yesterday’s dramatic victory over Norwich City and will continue in goal against the side he helped to reach the top flight on loan last season.

Meulensteen’s only other fitness worries ahead of another crucial away clash are the expected ones. Dimitar Berbatov has so far struggled to shake off the groin injury that has seen him miss two successive games, so Adel Taraabt could be called again to lead the line, although Hugo Rodallega returned from a lengthy injury lay-off as a late substitute at Norwich. Fulham’s defensive options are limited as they are still without club captain Brede Hangeland (back), centre back Philippe Senderos (abductor) and full-back Matthew Briggs (hernia).