Leeds United promotion rivals Fulham have been dealt a huge blow after top goal-scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic was ruled out for three weeks with ankle ligament damage.
The Serbian striker was taken off on a stretcher during the final stages of their 1-0 win over Fulham on Saturday.
Mitrovic has weighed in with 18 goals in 26 Championship matches for Fulham, scoring 44 per cent of their total goals in the league this term.
Scott Parker confirmed after the match it "didn't look good" but has provided an injury update ahead of their Friday night match against Middlesbrough.
"Initially, we were nervous and he left the stadium in a boot but he's quite robust," said Parker.
"It is not ideal when your leading goalscorer gets injured.
"We were worried it might have be a little bit longer but, although there is damage there, we hope we can turn him around in a few weeks."
While the news that the 25-year-old will be missing for weeks, rather than months, is positive news, it will prove a big blow for Fulham who must manage without their top goal-scorer.
Mitrovic is likely to miss Championship matches against Middlesbrough, Charlton Athletic and Huddersfield Town, as well as Fulham's FA Cup fourth-round tie with Manchester City.
With Fulham sat fourth in the Championship table, seven points behind second-placed Leeds United and three points clear of Swansea City in seventh, Parker's side are entering a crucial period of the season without their star man.
