Slavisa Jokanovic allayed fears about Tom Cairney’s long-term fitness after the Fulham skipper limped off towards the end of the win over Burnley yesterday.
Cairney, who saw the start of his last season badly disrupted by a persistent knee injury, bravely tried to battle on after being clattered by Charlie Taylor but eventually admitted defeat and was replaced by Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa. Head coach Jokanovic revealed during his post-match press conference that the Scottish international was substituted as a precaution having turned his ankle.
The Fulham boss is unlikely to pick Cairney for tomorrow night’s League Cup tie against Exeter City, but remains confident he will be available for the trip to Brighton and Hove Albion next Saturday.
He has switched the ankle and we believe he will be available for the next [league] game. This is start of the season, it’s not so fortunate for us. Between Alfie Mawson, Tim Ream and Floyd Ayite, I hope this player will be available for the competition we have ahead of us.
We need a fit Tom Cairney and without him last year once he got going we would have panicked, but with the squad we now have we have several options,Burnley yesterday were highly competent opponents and with 20/25 mins to go were turning the screw a little, however if the latter part of the game is an indication of what’s to come then bring it on, the swagger of last season was back and the interplay was a joy to watch, and as for Shurrle once somebody flicked the ‘on’ switch he was near unplayable.
Once again there are seven Suns in the sky and life is good.
The goalkeeping situation is unclear.It is strange the spanish goalkeeping coach leaves after buying 2 Spanish goalkeepers There is more than meets the eye here. Betts is my preferred choice but his distribution is poor. Also th defence does look a little frail but once Mawson is fit he is powerful and should improve the situation. Callum Chambers has yet to prove his worth. Joe Bryan looks good but in an ideal world I would have prefered Targett but it was just not to be. Seri looks fabulous. Up front Mitro is tremendous and the other position we have some good options. Using Kamara as an impact Sub is ideal. Nobody including himself knows what he is going to do. All round the club has more strength in depth and I am forecast we will finish in 15th position.