Slavisa Jokanovic has insisted, once again, that Chris Martin will stay at Fulham for the rest of the season.
The Derby loanee claimed he was not fit to face Reading due to an injury – a claim the Whites' medical staff deny and this repeated itself against Brighton on Monday afternoon.
The Whites boss suggested that the club will take disciplinary action against the striker and had previously told Rams manager Steve McClaren that he was not going to let Martin return to the iPro Stadium in January.
Below are the questions asked about the striker's current situation and how Jokanovic responded.
Q: What is the latest situation with Chris Martin?
SJ: “I explained at the last game that he signed a contract and all three sides to agree (for a recall).
“There don't exist any options for Derby to recall him. Derby tried to offer him more money and more years but this solution doesn't exist and he'll stay for the rest of the season.
“This is my position and is Fulham's position too. That's it.”
Q: Did he not make himself available to play today or was he not selected?
SJ: “He's still trying to explain to us that he's injured. My medical department didn't find any problem at the moment.
“I am not a doctor here. What I believe is less important. We are going to try and find where this problem is.”
Q: Will he be disciplined by the club
SJ: “You have to ask the club but probably. I am professional. Tomorrow, I have a day off and the next day I'm working.
“This is in my contract and I expect he has something similar in his contract. He has to be available with what is in front of us.”
Q: Was he here?
SJ: “All the players have to be at the games when they don't play. It's the same rules for him too. I didn't check today because I have more important things to do.”
Q: Have you spoken to Steve McClaren?
SJ: “I've spoken to him. We played against Derby four weeks ago and Steve asked me about Chris Martin and he explained to me that he liked this player.
“I explained that he is under contract and I want to stay with him and I recommended him looking in the market for another option. He probably doesn't understand my English very well.”
