Jimmy Bullard, the Fulham midfielder, could figure in Saturday's Barclays Premier League match with West Ham United.

Bullard's rehabilitation from the career-threatening knee injury suffered in September 2006 is complete and he may be involved at Upton Park.

Roy Hodgson, the Fulham manager, is anxious not to rush the 29-year-old, who has made only four appearances for the club, back too early. "Jimmy has played one match for the reserves this week and taken part in all the sessions," Hodgson said. "He's desperate to get back into first team action. He would have made himself available the day after he had the injury if he could!

"But we have to be careful because the competitive side of the game is not something you get a feel for during training sessions.

"We must be sure his knee will stand up to the pressure of tough tackling and being tackled when you're off balance. That's our major fear. But he's moving on very well and we haven't ruled him out of Saturday completely.

"It's unlikely he'll play because he's ahead of schedule and our medical team have advised us to be cautious, but I'm certain that if I told Jimmy I needed him to play he would be the first one changed and out on the pitch."