Parker among five absent for Fulham opener

Scott Parker is one of five Fulham players who will miss the opening day of the season at Cardiff.

Manager Kit Symons has confirmed the former England midfielder has not yet recovered from the ankle injury he had surgery on over the summer.

Everton loanee Luke Garbutt faces six weeks out with ankle ligament damage while midfielder George Williams, defender Fernando Amorebieta and the suspended Ryan Tunnicliffe will also miss the game. Goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli and striker Adam Taggart are doubful.

Symons said: “Scotty is still coming back from his injury. He’s out running on grass but still someway short so he won’t be available.

“Luke is obviously out and we are getting the right medical treatment for him. Hopefully it won’t be too long but it won’t be an immediate one.

“Fernando has had surgery and we haven’t seen him since he came back from his international games.

“George Williams is out, Adam has picked up a bit of a hamstring and Marcus has been back in training after missing the friendly last week.”

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