JOHN Arne Riise has been left out of the Fulham squad for this afternoon's clash with Sunderland.
The Norwegian defender's future at Craven Cottage is in the balance, with Kieran Richardson starting the season as Martin Jol's first choice left-back.
Boss Jol insists he's happy for the former Liverpool man to remain in SW6 as back-up, but youngster Matthew Briggs was on the bench for the trip to the Stadium of Light, with Riise not among the 18.
“John is a fantastic player and deserves to play,” said the manager earlier this week.
“If he's a second choice at this club I'm not sure he'll be a happy customer.
“If he was here I would be happy because if something happens to Kieran I've got a fantastic other left-back.”
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