Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen insists there was no "conspiracy" over Dimitar Berbatov missing their FA Cup draw against Norwich City.
Meulensteen was forced to shoot down Arsenal transfer speculation.
He said: "There's no conspiracy about him not playing. It's just a case of looking after one of the club's biggest assets.
"He's had an injury and we wanted to give him a rest. Playing him wouldn't have been clever. But it doesn't mean he's leaving.
"Everybody is assuming Berbatov is leaving. I have heard what you hear. But it's dangerous to start assuming things.
"As far as I know, Berbatov is happy here, he is content here, he is playing well and he is an important player for us."
