Scott Parker confirms Robbie Brady and Adam Smith are “back training” ahead of Friday night’s top of the table clash at Fulham.
Brady has yet to make an appearance since joining the club on a free transfer in October whilst Smith has not played since suffering a knee injury in the 2-1 win over Sheffield United.
Speaking to the media, Parker said: “Robbie Brady and Adam Smith are back training, albeit only a couple of days.”
The treatment room at Vitality Stadium has been busy of late with several other players sidelined.
Gary Cahill missed the draw with Coventry City on Saturday whilst Lloyd Kelly, Jordan Zemura, Ben Pearson and Junior Stanislas have all been missing in recent weeks.
With the trip to Craven Cottage fast approaching, Parker does not expect to see the return of too many faces on Friday night and suggest it would be “weeks” rather than days before players are fit to return.
He added: “We are where we have been with that. There is no denying we’ve been crippled over the last four or five weeks with some big injuries and a lot of players injured.
“I’m hoping over the coming weeks we will have a few more back, obviously, to strengthen us a little bit with a bit more depth.
“As we speak at the moment, we are where we are and managing the situation.”
Despite not feeling overly confident that anyone will be fit to return for Friday’s match, there are a few players he could make a late call on.
He continued: “It’s doubtful. It depends on how tomorrow goes. There are a couple we could make a late call on and we will have to see how that is tomorrow really.”
Parker will also be without Colombian midfielder Jefferson Lerma for the trip to West London, who will be suspended for the game after being sent off in the draw with Coventry City.
