Slavisa Jokanovic could welcome Ryan Fredericks back into the Fulham starting line-up against Aston Villa on Saturday after the full-back played a full part in training at Motspur Park this morning.

The right back missed last weekend’s rollercoaster 2-2 draw with Preston North End after injuring his foot but was able to take part in today’s training session and will be assessed by Jokanovic and Fulham’s medical staff following training tomorrow. The Serbian head coach is also confident that captain Tom Cairney can continue his return from a troublesome knee that has sidelined him for much of the season.

Jokanovic told his pre-match press conference this afternoon:

Today I worked with a complete team, aside from Lucas Piazon and Sheyi Ojo. I didn’t plan for Tom Cairney to play 45 minutes last week, but we had to take the risk. We must be careful with him.

Reuniting Cairney with Kevin McDonald at the heart of the Fulham midfield was key to ensuring the Whites came from 2-0 down to claim a point at the death against Preston and having the captain available for the trip to the Championship’s in-form side, would be a huge boost for Jokanovic. He knows precisely what sort of test Villa will pose.

Today I worked with a complete team, aside from Lucas Piazon and Sheyi Ojo. I didn’t plan for Cairney to play 45 minutes last week, but we had to take the risk. We must be careful with him.

In front of us is an important challenge against one of the best Championship teams. They have quality players but we go there with the motivation to win the game.

I want to be three points better off on Saturday evening. We know what we’re going to find at Villa Park, and we must be strong when we lose the ball.