Bridge set to return to action ahead of schedule

Wayne Bridge is hoping to return to action tomorrow after making a surprisingly quick recovery from the ankle ligament injury he suffered in England's 2-1 victory over Uruguay on March 1.

There were initial fears Bridge's World Cup hopes might be in jeopardy when he was carried off on a stretcher after colliding with England goalkeeper Paul Robinson at Anfield.

But the 25-year-old left-back, on loan from Chelsea, is in contention for a place in Fulham's side to visit Everton this weekend.

Fulham assistant manger Steve Kean said yesterday: 'Wayne trained yesterday and today and he's got a reasonable chance for the Everton game, which is excellent.

'When the injury first happened we thought it was going to be a number of weeks but he has pushed himself on.'

Kean paid tribute to the efforts Bridge has made to get back so quickly, adding: 'He's the type of player who pushes himself and wants to play.

'There was ligament damage but the way he went through his rehab is a feather in his cap.'

Former Wales international midfielder Mark Pembridge is also back in the Fulham squad for the first time this season following a long-running calf injury.

Pembridge played the full 90 minutes in the 1-0 reserve team victory over Arsenal on Monday night, scoring the deciding goal with a 30-yard screamer in only his second reserve outing since suffering the injury before the start of the season.

Fulham manager Chris Coleman is hoping to defy a virus to be with his team at Goodison Park.

'He's going home with his medication and I'm sure he'll be on the bench at Everton,' added Kean.