Magath hopeful on trio´s return

Fulham boss Felix Magath hopes to have up to three players back from injury or illness next week to boost his side’s survival fight.

After successive wins that brought his club to within two points of Premier League safety, Magath made five changes for Saturday’s trip to Tottenham.

Although Fulham put in a fighting display, second-half goals from Harry Kane and Younes Kaboul gave the hosts a 3-1 win at White Hart Lane.

Magath revealed afterwards that several of the alterations he made were enforced, although he hopes that Sascha Riether, Kieran Richardson and Mahamadou Diarra will all come into contention for the crucial visit of Hull City next weekend.

“We had some problems before the game. We had some injured or ill players, so we have (had) to change the team from last week,” Magath said in his post-match press conference.

“Sascha Riether, he was ill. He’s at home this morning and yesterday Kieran Richardson and Momo Diarra…they are injured.

“For next week, they are only small injuries. Diarra has a knee problem, but he joined us yesterday and the day before, so I’m sure he can be with us next week and Kieran – he tried this morning, but he has muscle problems.

“He will join us next week. I think all the players will be back. Sascha Riether, he has a headache and a (sore) throat and it will be good next week again.”

Scott Parker came off early in the second half against Tottenham, having suffered a dead leg following a challenge from Emmanuel Adebayor, but Magath is hopeful that the issue will not prove too serious.

“He has a kick on the muscle but he is confident, I’m sure that he can train next week,” added the Fulham manager.