Zamora keen on featuring against HSV

(GSM) – Bobby Zamora is hoping to overcome an Achilles problem in time to lead Fulham’s attempt to reach the Europa League final.

Zamora, who has scored 19 goals this season, hobbled out of the first leg with Hamburg after less than an hour on Thursday night following the recurrence of his long-standing injury.

Manager Roy Hodgson has already ruled the 29-year-old out of Sunday’s Premier League tussle with Everton and confirmed Zamora faces some intensive treatment before he is given the all-clear to start next Thursday’s Craven Cottage decider.

And, having enjoyed such a stellar campaign, that is a date Zamora intends to keep.

“I have had an Achilles tendon problem for a long time,” he said. “It has been niggling at me for a bit now and I just did a little bit too much but I really hope to play next Thursday, I am desperate to be part of that.”

Fulham could certainly do with Zamora as they seem to have hit a scoring drought following goalless draws with Wolves and Liverpool immediately prior to the stalemate in Hamburg.

It leaves them in a slightly precarious position, knowing an away goal will leave them with a stiff uphill task. That is not to obscure another marvellous night for the west London side, who are now just 90 minutes away from possibly the most famous night in their history.

“It was a great result because everyone knows what we can do at home,” Zamora said. “We managed to keep it tight, which gives us a big chance.

“It doesn’t mean we will definitely go through but we are quietly confident we can get a result if we play as we normally do at Craven Cottage.”

Having taken the option to remain in Germany overnight, Fulham were at least able to take advantage of flight restrictions being lifted, ensuring the trip back to England was not as punishing as the one out.

“It means we can get home in one hour rather than nine,” Zamora said.