But reports Hughes could also be looking for a goalkeeper were played down by the Cottagers, who denied Mark Schwarzer has handed in a transfer request.

Senderos sustained the injury in training yesterday on international duty with Switzerland, and the Swiss Football Association confirmed the extent of the damage today.

Senderos had been named in Swiss coach Ottmar Hitzfeld's squad for tonight's friendly against Austria but withdrew due to a toe injury and had reportedly been training alone when the Achilles injury struck.

"It's incredible bad luck for Philippe. A hard blow to him personally, for the club, but also for the Swiss national team," said Hitzfeld.

Senderos, who joined Fulham from Arsenal in June, is due to undergo surgery in Finland, where he will be treated by the same specialist who oversaw David Beckham's Achilles operation in March.

If his rehabilitation runs to plan, the 25-year-old will return to action in time for the latter stages of Fulham's forthcoming Barclays Premier League campaign.

Today's news leaves Brede Hangeland, who is reportedly a target for Arsenal, and Aaron Hughes as the only fit recognised centre-halves at the club after Chris Smalling left for Manchester United earlier this summer.

Hughes, who so far has not made any signings ahead of Saturday's curtain-raiser against Bolton, has been linked with a move for Benfica defender Rafik Halliche.

Senderos' injury is also a major setback for the Swiss, with Hitzfeld admitting the player had been central to his plans for the forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

"Senderos had played an important role in my arrangements for the launch of the European Championship qualification matches," he added on www.football.ch.

"He is a leader, on and off the pitch."

Hughes underlined his commitment to keeping hold of Australian stopper Schwarzer when he was announced as the club's new manager last month, succeeding Roy Hodgson.

The Cottagers' number one has been the subject of speculation linking him with a summer move across London to Arsenal, who had a £2million bid for the former Middlesbrough man rejected earlier this summer.

Reports this morning suggested the 37-year-old was ready to force Hughes' hand by demanding a move away from Craven Cottage in order to have the chance of playing Champions League football for the Gunners next season.

A Fulham spokeswoman denied those reports, however, saying: "The club has not received a transfer request from Mark Schwarzer.

"Mark is under contract with us until the summer of 2011 and the manager has underlined his commitment to keep hold of his best players."

Schwarzer excelled between the posts for Fulham last season and would provide stern competition for inconsistent stoppers Lukasz Fabianski and Manuel Almunia at the Emirates Stadium.