Fulham striker Moussa Dembele has been ruled out for two to three weeks with the injury suffered at Stoke.
The forward was stretcher off in added time of the Carling Cup defeat at Stoke following a rash challenge from Potters defender Andy Wilkinson.
Manager Mark Hughes branded the tackle “absolutely ridiculous” and was left fearing he could be without the Belgian for some time.
But scans have revealed Dembele only suffered minor ankle ligament damage, much to the relief of Hughes who is already without Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson.
He said: “Moussa had a scan after the initial impact of the injury had settled down.
“At the moment it looks like he’ll be out for two to three weeks. He should be fit and well after the international break.
“The challenge was unnecessary and we’re thankful the injury isn’t more serious than it is. At the time I was extremely angry and made my feelings known.
“We’ve been really pleased with what Dembele has produced and he’s a big reason behind the positive start we’ve had.
“Not to have him available because of a tackle so late in the game is frustrating for everybody.”