I can't risk striker - Jol
Fulham,
Last updated:
Martin Jol is happy at the way Dimitar Berbatov has started life at Fulham - but will have to do without him against Manchester City.
The Bulgarian represents a coup for the Whites, who saw off competition from Serie A giants Juventus and Fiorentina to sign him on transfer-deadline day.
Berbatov has shone in his first two-and-a-half appearances for Fulham and netted twice as they saw off West Brom 3-0 in their last home game.
The 31-year-old was set for another starring role against Roberto Mancini's City but will miss the match - and the next two weeks - through injury.
"I was very pleased [with his impact] because we were worried because we lost our quality in midfield and that was probably our biggest quality," Fulham manager Jol said, referring to the recent departures of Clint Dempsey and Mousa Dembele.
"We had one that scored the goals and one that was good on the ball and then he came and he almost filled two positions in one. He was a number nine but he played in a number 10 role so for us it was quite good that he was there, but he is injured now and can't play so that is a big disappointing thing. He will be out for the next two weeks."


