Fulham defender eyes first team return after injury recovery

Friday, October 12, 2012
4:14 PM

Fulham defender Philippe Senderos has declared himself ready for action after a spell on the sidelines.

The Switzerland international has not featured so far this season due to a foot injury, but has made two appearances for the Whites reserves.

He was also named on the bench for Fulham’s 2-2 draw at Southampton and is targeting a place back in manager Martin Jol’s defence.

“I am available for selection so hopefully I will start again very soon,” Senderos said.

“It is nice to be back. I’ve been training and with the reserves I have played my second game.

“I am really happy, I am really pleased. The sensations are good.

“I am pleased the team is doing well in my absence as well so it is good.

“I love my job so whatever conditions, whatever weather, I am blessed to do what I do.”

As an observer for the first seven games of the season, Senderos admits he’s been impressed with Fulham’s start despite a number of big stars leaving in the summer.

Mousa Dembele and Clint Dempsey both crossed town for Tottenham while Pavel Pogrebnyak and Danny Murphy also left Craven Cottage.

But in their place came former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov, Mladen Petric and Kieran Richardson to help the west Londoners to a respectable ninth place in the Premier League.

Senderos said: “It has been a pretty good start and we’re really happy with it.

“Hopefully we can build on the good start and continue like this.

“We’ve lost a few players and replaced them really with players that are hungry and they want to do well.

“The team has responded really well in the first game and hopefully, for me personally, I can get my chance and grab it and be in the team.”