Fulham manager Martin Jol has hinted that Pavel Pogrebnyak could make his debut at home to Stoke City next Saturday.
The 28-year-old striker moved to Craven Cottage on loan from Bundesliga side Stuttgart on transfer deadline day.
"He hasn't got the work permit but he will hopefully be in the country at the end of the week," Jol told reporters. "Hopefully not too late to be involved [against Stoke] and we hope for Thursday but it could be Friday."
Fulham are currently 14th in the Premier League table after Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Manchester City.