Defender hopeful of being fit for World Cup

Fulham defender John Pantsil is set to miss the rest of the season through injury.

Pantsil has been out of action since suffering a serious knee injury in the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in December.

The former West Ham defender has been badly missed by Fulham with Pantsil one of the side's best performers before suffering his injury.

Pantsil was forced to miss the recent African Cup of Nations due to the injury and he is still some way off making a return to action.

Fulham had hoped the right-back would return later this season, but it appears highly unlikely the 28-year-old will be fit enough to play before May.

However, Pantsil is confident he will recover in time to be fit for this summer's World Cupfinals with Ghana.

The news is a major blow for Fulham chief Roy Hodgson with the Cottagers boss also facing up to the prospect of being without Andy Johnson for the remainder of the campaign with a knee problem.