Transfer target Joao Palhinha suffered a shoulder injury in Fulham’s 3-2 win over Brentford in the Premier League Summer Series.
West Ham had a bid worth up to £45m for Palhinha rejected this summer, with Fulham valuing the midfielder at £80m.
The in-demand Portugal international, who plays at centre-back, was forced off after injuring his shoulder in an innocuous challenge with Yoane Wissa in the first half.
Fulham boss Marco Silva admitted the injury “doesn’t look too bad” although said further assessment was needed. Palhinha was later seen carrying his arm.
Silva is also without striker Aleksandar Mitrovic as the striker watches from the sidelines amid a stand-off over a potential move to Al Hilal.
Harry Wilson opened the scoring in just the third minute with a superb curling effort from outside the box before Wissa tapped in an equalizer from a corner.
However, Bobby De Cordova-Reid found the bottom corner before the break and Carlos Vinicius extended Fulham’s lead with an accurate finish two minutes into the second half.
Kristoffer Ajer scored just two minutes later to reduce the deficit but Brentford could not force another equaliser.
The Premier League Summer Series fixtures are still to be played
Wednesday July 26
Brentford v Brighton, kick-off 10:30pm BST (Mercedes-Benz Stadium; Atlanta, GA)
Thursday July 27
Fulham v Aston Villa, kick-off 12am BST (Exploria Stadium; Orlando, FL)
Newcastle United v Chelsea, kick-off 1.15am BST (Mercedes-Benz Stadium; Atlanta, GA)
Saturday July 29
Brighton vs Newcastle United, kick-off 12:30am BST (Red Bull Arena; Harrison, New Jersey)
Sunday July 30
Aston Villa v Brentford, kick-off 5pm BST (FedExField; Landover, Maryland)
Chelsea v Fulham, kick-off 7:45pm BST (FedExField; Landover, Maryland)
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