Fulham will be without player who was key to Everton win for Leeds United match

The old adage is that if it ain’t broken then don’t fix it – but Fulham head coach Marco Silva has no option but to meddle for tomorrow’s visit of Leeds United to west London.

The Portuguese tactician found a way to solve the absence of Aleksandar Mitrovic as he started Dan James up front in last weekend’s 3-1 win at Everton.

But James is on a season-long loan from Leeds United and is ineligible this weekend.

His parent club will be arriving in the capital bruised and battered from successive heavy losses at Elland Road, their 6-1 demolition at the hands of Liverpool on Monday following hot on the heels of Crystal Palace inflicting a 5-1 loss.

Fulham’s maximum haul at Goodison Park – with James, Harrison Reed and Harry Wilson all on target – ended a five-game winless streak in the Premier League.

Fulham have been linked with a move for Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson.

The 23-year-old, born in Elephant & Castle, is due to be a free agent at the end of this season.

The Gunners have offered Nelson, also mooted as a target for West Ham and Aston Villa, a contract extension.

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD AND PA