Fulham’s Cairney to miss Cardiff game

Fulham captain Tom Cairney has been ruled out of Friday’s game against Cardiff.

Cairney picked up a knock during the recent win against Birmingham and subsequently missed this week’s victory at Nottingham Forest.

He is still not fit enough to play and will be assessed ahead of Tuesday’s potentially crucial match against promotion rivals West Brom.

“Tom is still struggling at the moment. He won’t be available for tomorrow,” boss Scott Parker confirmed.

“It’s day-to-day really with Tom. I don’t think it’s a big one. It’s not one we’re too concerned about.

“But with this schedule, if you have a week’s injury or a 10-day injury you’re missing three or four games.

“We’ll manage it every day and see where we are with it.”

Fulham get Mitrovic back

On a more positive note for the Whites, Aleksandar Mitrovic is available to return.

The striker was given a three-match ban for elbowing Leeds defender Ben White during Fulham’s recent defeat at Elland Road.

Despite the loss of their top scorer, Fulham won all of the games without him and kept their hopes of a top-two finish alive.

Parker said: “When you take 23 goals out of the team – he’s been a vital part of what we’ve done this year – then obviously he’s going to be missed.

“You want someone of his quality and you want the goals in your team. He’s scored most of our goals this year and of course we’re delighted to have him back.

“In saying that, we have changed things around and adapted. We’ve done very well.

“As much as you’re going to miss someone of his quality, the other players have stepped up.”