English Premiership
Goalkeeper setback for Fulham
2011-12-14 20:58
London - Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was ruled out for up to six weeks on Wednesday with a spinal injury.
The 39-year-old Australia international landed awkwardly on his neck after collecting a cross in the second half of Saturday's 2-0 loss at Swansea in the Premier League.
Fulham said Schwarzer has "sustained a compression injury to his thoracic spine" and isn't expected back until the end of January.
"I'm devastated to be out for 4-6 weeks," Schwarzer wrote on Twitter. "After speaking to the specialist, it was very clear I needed a rest."
Schwarzer could miss as many as seven league matches for Fulham, who are 14th in the 20-team standings and only three points above the relegation zone.
David Stockdale, who has been included in recent England squads despite his lack of Premier League experience, has been recalled from his loan spell at second-tier League Championship club Ipswich and will replace Schwarzer.
Fulham also have Philippines international Neil Etheridge in their squad as goalkeeping cover.