Fulham star could face long-term absence

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Fulham fear skipper Brede Hangeland’s sciatic nerve problem could turn out to be a long-term injury.

The 32-year-old defender has been sidelined since he was substituted at half-time in the win over Crystal Palace in October, and the Whites have lost all four of their subsequent matches without him.

Hangeland is unavailable for Saturday’s home game against Swansea and boss Martin Jol has admitted the Norwegian’s absence is becoming a serious concern.

“It could be long term. Originally I said it would be one week, now it’s been two weeks and it will probably be three weeks,” said Jol.

“The problem is that he is training with us and afterwards you have to make a decision on him, and most of the time that decision is negative.

“He is not fully fit and we can’t take the risk. He is still having the same problems as when he played and we had to take him off twice.

“We talk with him and I trust him 100%, but if he doesn’t trust his own body with the problem with his nerve then I can’t play him.”

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