Fulham midfielder and current Liverpool target Joao Palhinha has been forced off with a shoulder injury in their opening game in the Premier League summer series.

Fulham were taking on Brentford as a host of Premier League sides face each other in America to prepare for the new season in a few weeks time.

Palhinha was standing in at centre-back for Fulham due to their shortage in that position and he was contesting in a duel when he suffered the injury.

The Portuguese international had a grimace on his face as soon as the collision happened and there was a lengthy stoppage so he could get some treatment.

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He went off the pitch making sure he had hold of his arm in his shirt to avoid feeling further pain which will be a worry for Fulham.

Marco Silva was quickly interviewed before going into the changing rooms for half-time and he confirmed that it is a shoulder issue.

It has been said that he has suffered a separated shoulder injury with Fulham needing to do more tests to get a better indication to how long he will be out.

Palhinha has been viewed as a Fabinho replacement for Liverpool after being one of the best defensive midfielders in the league last campaign in his debut Premier League season.

However Fulham’s price tag may have been an issue but now they may not get anything for him as sides may alter their plans depending on how long he is out for.

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