Fulham manager Kit Symons has confessed that he will have to use Scott Parker sparingly once he returns to full fitness.
The 34-year-old has been struggling with an ankle injury of late, which has seen him fail to make a single appearance for the Cottagers so far this term.
Parker is in line to feature against former side Charlton Athletic this weekend after playing an hour for the development squad, but Symons admits that he is unsure how to handle Parker's playing future at the club.
"I'm very conscious of where Scotty is in his career, his fitness levels and his age - there's no getting away from it," he is quoted as saying by Get West London.
"I've had several lengthy discussions with Scott about this, and we'll work on his own programme and what's right for him.
"When he's fit and available he's a very influential player, but we need to be realistic in acknowledging he won't play every game in what is a tough Championship season."
Parker is thought to be the Whites' biggest earner on a contract of around £75,000 a week.
