Fulham player Clint Dempsey faces a long-term fight for fitness after suffering a suspected cruciate ligament injury on Sunday (January 17th).

The US midfielder left the pitch during the game at Blackburn and may struggle to be fit in time for the World Cup next summer.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson told the club's website: "Clint's injury is a ligament injury and he'll have a scan tomorrow [Monday]."

He added: "Injury wise this year fate hasn't been too kind to us," referring to the loss of Paul Konchesky earlier in the game with an ankle knock.

Should the scan reveal that Dempsey's injury is as serious as feared, it could prevent him from playing against England when the two sides meet in South Africa in June.

Another player who has suffered recent knee ligament damage is Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, who was injured in the recent FA Cup tie with Reading.

The Spaniard is expected to be out until March after undergoing surgery.