Former Fulham favourite Sean Davis has been dealt a major injury blow, on the verge of his first team return at Wanderers.
The unlucky midfielder missed virtually the entire of last season with a serious knee injury but had battled his way back to fitness after working throughout the summer with the club's medical staff.
But it has now been revealed that another knee problem, initially diagnosed after last week's reserve team game against Manchester City, will keep him out for at least another two months.
Davis played in the majority of Wanderers' pre-season games and was in Owen Coyle's plans for this Sunday's game against Birmingham until his latest setback.
"Sean played the other week against Manchester City and felt a little twinge in his knee," the manager explained.
"He has been told to rest completely for six weeks, and we wouldn't want to do anything that would hinder the progress of that.
"It's very disappointing, ultimately for Sean because he's worked very hard to get himself into decent shape, but as a club we have to do the right thing by him.
"He'll rest for six to eight weeks then go back and see if there is any improvement in the area affected because it could be a natural healing process.