Slavisa Jokanovic insists Lucas Piazon deserves to play but loan rules mean the Fulham boss faces a selection dilemma.
Fulham have six on-loan players but can only include five in each matchday squad – and if Tomas Kalas passes late fitness test ahead of Saturday’s game at Preston, either Piazon or Sheyi Ojo appears likely to miss out.
Head coach Jokanovic said: “I have a new situation in my team where we brought in Matt Targett (on loan from Southampton) and I find myself with one more winger, because Sessegnon starts in the more offensive position.
“We have six loan players fighting for five positions and, for political reasons, I must always drop one to the stands. This is a new situation for me and them.
“This situation has affected Lucas and he missed some minutes. I dropped Sheyi Ojo a few times too. Not because they deserve it, but because I have to.
“Sometimes these players are a little surprised why they are in the stands, but I explained and they understand.”
Piazon, on loan from Chelsea, was an instrumental part of Fulham’s promotion bid last season and has impressed again since returning from a serious injury this term.
And Jokanovic said: “Last season and this season he has been one of the more important players for our squad. He has made a great job for myself and my staff and for Fulham in general.
“Unfortunately this season he spent a few months out with a problem with his ankle, but he came back with the same energy and ambition and desire, and pushes for the team and himself to have the opportunity at the highest level possible.”
This post was last modified on 09/03/2018