Fulham boss Roy Hodgson says Giles Barnes is some way off starting a match for the club.
The 19-year-old England youth international joined The Cottagers at the end of last month on loan from Derby, with a view to a permanent deal.
But Barnes is still on his way back to full fitness from knee ligament damage he suffered last season.
And Hodgson admits he will be limited to cameo roles until he can find peak fitness.
“He came to the club after a long absence and is unfit,” said Hodgson on the club’s official website.
“Our job is to get him fit and he’s working hard to get fit but I don’t think you’ll see Giles playing any major part in our play until he’s fit enough.
“He might be able to play a bit part and come on for 10-15 minutes as a substitute but if we’re talking about him playing a serious role as a 90 minute player then first of all we have to get him physically fit.
“In the short time he’s been with us he’s shown great aptitude and has worked well.
“We’re going to have a look at some of our players and it’ll be good to see how long he lasts and can go for.”
