Zamora race for fitness

(GSM) – Bobby Zamora is facing a major fight to be fit for Fulham’s Europa League semi-final clash with Hamburg next week.

Zamora has been struggling with an Achilles problem in recent weeks, but was passed fit to start Thursday’s first leg in Germany.

However, the Cottagers’ top scorer was replaced early in the second half by Clint Dempsey asHodgson’s side stood firm to record a 0-0 draw.

The striker seems certain to miss Sunday’s Premier League game against Everton and Hodgson is hoping Zamora will recover in time for the visit of Hamburg next Thursday.

“Bobby has had this problem with his Achilles for some while,” revealed Hodgson.

“He has missed one or two league games, but he felt okay yesterday and we hoped he would get through the game.

“But even in the first half he was struggling with it. The medical staff gave him the all-clear to start the second half, but they warned me I might have to take him off.

“We have one week to deal with the problem. It is not a fresh injury so we hope a week gives us the chance to put it right because I would say he has no chance of being fit for Sunday,” he explained.

Zamora’s absence for the second leg against Hamburg would harm their chances of reaching the final, however, Hodgson is confident his team do know where the goal is.

“We have goals in this team,” he said.

“We created one or two very dangerous moments tonight and the atmosphere at Craven Cottage next week will help us as well,” Hodgson concluded.