Speaking to Get West London, Tom Cairney has admitted he is still struggling with a knee injury, despite making his Fulham comeback over the weekend.

Cairney, who was the driving force behind Fulham’s play-off push last season, has been limited to just four Sky Bet Championship appearances this campaign, with a knee injury troubling him.

The 26-year-old missed all of September, but returned to action over the weekend, appearing as a half-time substitute as Fulham battled to a 2-2 draw with Preston North End at Craven Cottage.

Slavisa Jokanovic’s side were 2-0 down when he turned to Cairney, and despite Fulham’s captain helping to turn the game around, he admitted he was still struggling with an ongoing knee problem.

He said: “It’s a strange one, it’s like a constant pain that I can’t get rid of but we’re working really hard behind the scenes and off the pitch trying to sort it out, but it’s difficult.”

Cairney went on to express his delight at his return, admitting it had been hard to watch on from a distance during the early stage of the season, before stating he is looking to build on last season’s success.

The midfielder scored 13 goals last year, helping Fulham clinch a place in the Championship’s play-offs.

This year, Jokanovic’s side have endured a sluggish start, and after 12 fixtures sit ninth, two points adrift of the top-six.

The Cottagers face a difficult task on Saturday, travelling to Villa Park for a clash with Aston Villa, before returning to West London to face Bolton Wanderers and Bristol City in back-to-back home fixtures.

The Verdict

Cairney is clearly not 100% fit, but Jokanovic has felt it necessary to push the midfielder into an early return, which highlights his importance to Fulham.

Jokanovic will have to be patient with the midfielder on his return, particularly after the player has admitted that he is still struggling with a knee injury.

Cairney was key to Fulham’s play-off push last season, and their chance of a top-six finish could once again rest on his shoulders, meaning Jokanovic has to be looking at any long-term damage he could cause by rushing the midfielder back.

Fulham fans… Let us know your thoughts!