New injury blow for Niemi

Fulham goalkeeper Antti Niemi has suffered a fresh blow in his battle to be fit for the new Premier League campaign with the news he will need further wrist surgery.

The Finn underwent surgery on his left wrist in late June and investigations have revealed further damage, meaning the former Southampton player will need another operation next week.

“I’m extremely disappointed that having returned to training, I now have to undergo further surgery,” he told the club’s website. “However, I’m confident that I can recover from this setback sooner rather than later.

“I was looking forward to joining the new players who have been added to the squad but I will now focus on my rehabilitation after surgery and look forward to returning as soon as possible.”