Fulham midfielder Mahamadou Diarra’s career with Fulham appears over following his latest injury setback.

The Mali misfit is facing a third operation on a knee problem.

Ex-Real Madrid midfielder Diarra, who moved to the Bernabeu for £22m in 2006, has not playedfor the Cottagers this year.

And Martin Jol’s gamble on landing Diarra, 31, has backfired, with his days at Craven Cottage numbered.

Boss Jol said: “I think it will be quite complicated without an operation to get him fit again. He was the main man last season when he came in. It was quite a boost to get a player of his quality but you have to be fi t. If not, he can do nothing for us.

“Hopefully in a few months we will sit down, have a look at him and make a decision.”