Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen explained away the absence of Dimitar Berbatov for their FA Cup draw at Norwich City.
The striker is being linked with Arsenal this month.
Meulensteen insisted the sole reason for the omission was to allow him to recuperate following a recent injury.
The Fulham boss added: "He's not injured but because of him coming back from injury and being able to play the 90 minutes against West Ham, we thought it was better for him to recuperate and be ready for the Sunderland game."
