Fulham's Steve Finnan today reassured fans that he is fit enough for the upcoming eight games in 24 days that the Cottagers now face.
Jean Tigana's men have enjoyed a good start to their campaign and will go fourth in the table if they beat West Ham in the London derby at Loftus Road tomorrow.
The clash with Glenn Roeder's side kicks off the hectic spell, which will also sees their UEFA Cup campaign continue as well as a Worthington Cup tie against Bury.
So Finnan's return in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Manchester United was a welcome boost for Tigana and the player, who had missed just one league game in two years before his injury-ravaged start to this season.
The 26-year-old returned from Republic of Ireland duty in the World Cup and was promptly hit by a twisted ankle, a bout of 'flu and stubborn knee ligament problems.
Finnan said: "I've worked hard to get back, so now want to stay fit and get more games. Saturday was my first match for a while, and only my second in five weeks.
"I was blowing a bit, but just happy to get the 90 minutes under my belt. It will probably take less time than at most clubs to get back to full fitness as we've got good fitness coaches and physios here.
"I'm hoping it will only take me three or four games to get back to the top level.
"We've got a lot of games coming up now and haven't got a midweek break for a month or so. But I feel okay and I'm ready to play again tomorrow."
Fulham's season kicked off just six days after the World Cup final, with the start of their successful Intertoto Cup campaign.