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| Fulham striker Barry Hayles could be back before the end of the season |
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Fulham forward Barry Hayles is in line to play again this season after making a rapid recovery from a serious neck injury.
The fans' favourite had been ruled out until July after surgery on painful vertebrae at the top of his spine.
But the 30-year-old, whose neck totally seized up after a game in November, is now targeting the 19 April home date with Newcastle for his comeback.
Cottagers physio Jason Palmer revealed: "Barry is doing very well and potentially might be ready to play in five or six weeks."
Hayles, whose injury stemmed from a degenerative problem with his spinal discs which caused problems with his arms and legs, is already jogging and power-walking.
His return would be a major boost for manager Jean Tigana, who is concerned about the effect of his players performing in so many cup games this season.
Palmer added: "Barry will have a review with a specialist in two or three weeks to see if he can start heading the ball and taking part in full-contact training.
"If everything is fine, he should be back training. And after that, it all depends on how quickly the management want to progress him."