Marco Silva issues fitness update on 'immense' Fulham star ahead of Chelsea derby

Fulham manager Marco Silva hopes to have midfielder Harrison Reed available for this weekend's derby with Chelsea after his gutsy performance against Liverpool, hailed as 'immense' by supporters.

The 28-year-old put in a tireless performance in the 2-1 Carabao Cup defeat against the Reds as he staked a claim for a more regular starting role. Reed hasn't started a Premier League game since early December and seven of his 17 top-flight appearances this term have come from the bench.

The player was the centre of all the action at Anfield on Wednesday night and it looked as if Silva might have had to bring off the playmaker at halftime following a collision with Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. The shot-stopper's knee impacted on Reed's thigh with the Fulham man needing treatment on the pitch after the half-time whistle had blown - he eventually hobbled off towards the changing room with the aid of medical staff.

Reed appeared after the break and lasted until the 83rd minute as Jurgen Klopp's side came back from a goal down. His showing against the league leaders was hailed as an "awesome" performance and the "standout" player by supporters online.

Speaking in his press conference today, Silva said: "He should be ok. He didn't feel well on the morning before the Liverpool match and wasn't perfect today, but we have some more hours to prepare for the game."

The Fulham manager also previewed the West London derby against Chelsea, kicking off at 12:30 pm on Saturday. The Cottagers are looking for revenge after losing 2-0 at home to their rivals in October.

Silva said: "In London, you have a big number of derbies, but you always have one or two more special ones for the fans. We play for the fans and we know it's important for them."At home, it wasn't our best game. We want to do something different against a very good side. We have to be at a very, very good level because it's going to be an intense game."