Jari Litmanen´s ill-fated move to Fulham descended into farce this week when the Finland striker was injured during a freak accident in training.

Litmanen has yet to play for the Cottagers since his arrival in January as a series of injuries and heart palpitations rendered him unavailable and has been involved in an incident with reserve goalkeeper Ricardo Batista.

"Litmanen is the most unlucky fellow I have come across in football," said Hodgson. "He was training on Monday and due to play a practice match the next day when Batista, who I must say is a very fearsome kicker of the ball, managed to smash it into the back of his head from about four yards."