Garbutt close to Fulham return

Luke Garbutt is a week away from resuming training after an ankle ligament injury.

The 21-year-old, on loan at Fulham from Everton, suffered the injury in a pre-season friendly with Crystal Palace.

In his absence, the Whites have signed Middlesbrough’s James Husband on loan and he is expected to keep his place for Sunday’s Championship clash with Blackburn.

Fulham hope Jazz Richards and Ben Pringle will be fit for the game despite the pair accidentally colliding in training on Friday.

Captain Scott Parker has resumed training after summer surgery on an ankle problem but will not be risked, while striker Matt Smith remains sidelined for at least another three weeks.

Goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli is a long-term absentee. Midfielder George Williams will play half an hour for Fulham’s Under-21s against Stoke on Saturday.