The German striker has been out all season with a neck and back injury, but is now very close to full fitness.

He could even be allowed to play a reserve game next week and is hoping to be back in first team action by November.

That is great news for Fulham because despite the success of their strikers (Saha and Hayles have 18 goals between them) they do have very little back-up.

Luis Boa-Morte has done a great job when asked but after him there is only out-of-favour Paul Peschisolido who could leave at any time.

Riedle said: "Things are looking better now and hopefully I can be back playing in the next few weeks. When you see how well the team is playing, it hurts twice as much to be out."