Claudio Ranieri has received a boost in the news that Joe Bryan is close to a return.

The key defender has been out for the past seven weeks due to a hamstring injury.

He has only started in four Premier League games since arriving from Bristol City.

But the Evening Standard reports that he will be in the squad for the coming games.

It is unlikely he will feature in this weekend's clash against Southampton, but the next game is a realistic return target.

Fulham are rock bottom of the Premier League, but only four points off safety.