Jol cool on Jerome as Zamora recovers
FULHAM manager Martin Jol played down the injury scare surrounding striker Bobby Zamora ahead of tonight’s Uefa Europa League qualifier, despite seeing his bid for Cameron Jerome rejected by Birmingham City.
Zamora broke his hand during the Europa League win over NSI Runavik, prompting Jol to make an offer, believed to be in the region of £3m, for the Blues striker.
Fulham must score tonight to have a chance of progressing to the Europa League following a goalless draw in the away leg at RNK Split last week.
Speaking ahead of the vital second qualifying round clash, Jol recognised the importance of Zamora and admitted to lining up replacements should Fulham’s main goal threat become sidelined through injury.
Jol said: “If it had been his foot, we would’ve had a problem, and that is why we made a bid for this other striker [Jerome]. We made a bid we thought was realistic, and they rejected that, so that was that.”
Jol said that while 24-year-old Jerome was not prolific, he had other qualities he admired.
The Dutchman added: “He’s good in the air, quick, and he would be a good back-up for Bobby.”