FABRICE Muamba will be fit for action at Fulham on Saturday when Bolton bid for a first win in four games.

But Wanderers will again be without record signing Johan Elmander when they visit one of their recent bogey grounds.

And manager Gary Megson will anxiously await the returns tomorrow of the club's international contingent.

Danny Shittu is already back from commitments with Nigeria nursing a tight hamstring.

Muamba turned his ankle during England U21's 2-0 victory over Portugal at Wembley last Friday.

But Megson said: "He got a kick and jarred it, but it's not a major problem. He was also booked so they thought it prudent to take him off.

"Johan is making progress and we're pleased with the rehab that he's doing. He won't be available for Fulham but he's coming along, as is Matty Taylor.

"Matty has had the scans and X-rays and he's got a break in his toe that's gone straight through, so it will take a while.

"The squad is not a big squad but there are players to come in when and if we get problems."

Megson is sweating on Taylor's recent replacement, Ricardo Gardner, coming through his World Cup duty unscathed.

The Jamaican international isn't due back from Honduras until Friday morning with the rest of his colleagues, including keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and Icelandic duo, Gretar Steinsson and Heidar Helguson, flying in tomorrow.

Helguson will be keen to play against one of his former clubs on Saturday, especially after a goal against Norway last weekend.



Polish newboy Ebi Smolarek, on a season long loan from Racing Santander, is also away on international duty, but won't be considered to face the Cottagers.

"He will need time to settle in," said Megson. "It's entirely different football here to what it is on the continent."



Megson revealed he had a bid for an unnamed player turned down on transfer deadline day.

"We've spent £15.4m bringing in four players. We could have spent £1m each bringing in 15 players, but it wouldn't have added quality."