Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen has hinted that new signing Clint Dempsey could feature against West Ham United on New Year's Day.
USA international Dempsey, who made 184 Premier League appearances for the Cottagers between 2007 and 2012, will rejoin the West London club on a two-month loan from Seattle Sounders when the transfer window reopens at the start of January.
Because the deal has been agreed in advance, Dempsey's paperwork should all be in order, making the 30-year-old available to line up against the Hammers at Craven Cottage.
Although Dempsey's return to Fulham will not be made official until the start of next month, Meulensteen is hopeful that the player will be able to train with his new teammates before then.
Meulensteen told reporters: "When the transfer window opens, when he is eligible to play, hopefully we can use him, but we hope he can join in training as soon as possible."
Dempsey scored 50 league goals during his first spell at Fulham.
Robert Summerscales
