Fulham have confirmed that in-form striker Bobby Zamora suffered a dislocated collarbone in Tuesday's 3-2 defeat at Stoke.
At the time there was confusion over the precise nature of the injury. It had appeared to be serious, as players close to Zamora gestured immediately for medical attention.
But after the match Roy Hodgson, the Fulham manager, was unsure whether Zamora had damaged his collarbone or his shoulder. Zamora was seen by the club's medical staff early today and the extent of the damage was confirmed.
Zamora must now complete a lengthy period of rehabilitation and Hodgson must hope that a miserable night in the Potteries - after which his squad did not reach London until after 3am because of adverse weather conditions - does not produce a further sting.