MIDFIELDER Mahamadou Diarra made a successful return from injury in an internal game at Fulham's training ground yesterday.

The Mali star is trying to prove his fitness to boss Martin Jol following eight months out with a knee injury.

Diarra is a free agent after his contract expired in June, but is back in full training and closing in on a return to full fitness.

The former Real Madrid ace stepped up his recovery with a 60-minute run-out at the club's Motspur Park base on Wednesday.

Diarra was handed a further boost last night when Fulham submitted their 25-man squad to the Premier League, with one spot still remaining should Jol decide to re-sign the 32-year-old.

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