USMNT star Tim Ream has opened up on his “tough” injury lay-off at Fulham, with the veteran defender sitting out several weeks of action.

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Defender out of action since early DecemberReturned in cup defeat at Craven CottageHoping to retain place for Premier League actionWHAT HAPPENED?

The 36-year-old centre-half was back in action for the Cottagers as they suffered an FA Cup fourth-round defeat at home to Newcastle. The result may not have been what Ream was looking for, as the Magpies ran out 2-0 winners on the day, but he is delighted to be fully recovered from a calf complaint.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT REAM SAID

After making his first appearance since December 3, Ream told Fulham’s official website: "I’m a little fatigued, but it’s good to be back out there. It’s been a tough six to seven weeks. Rehabbing and making sure I’m fit to play and able to contribute. Unfortunately it comes in a loss, but happy to be back and be part of the team."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Ream’s return has come at a good time for Fulham, with Calvin Bassey away on international duty with Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations. He added on that boost: "For sure. We need competition everywhere. That’s something the manager has always preached. Being able to come back and play 90 minutes in the first game puts that competition in place and gives different options for how we want to play. That’s what we want to have. It keeps other teams on their toes as well, so I'm happy to be back."

GettyWHAT NEXT?

Fulham have endured a tough week, crashing out of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, and they will be back in action on Tuesday when playing host to Everton in the Premier League – with Ream looking to retain his place in Marco Silva’s plans for that fixture.