Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic reiterates Ryan Sessegnon importance following Burnley snub

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Slavisa Jokanovic has reiterated the importance of youngster Ryan Sessegnon to Fulham this season, after he was dropped to the bench for their first Premier League win of the campaign against Burnley.

The 18-year-old, who started all but one of Fulham’s games in the Championship last season, was named in the starting XI for the two opening League defeats to Crystal Palace and Tottenham, but was restricted to just a minute off the bench against the Clarets.

There was speculation the full-back turned winger would be handed a chance in Gareth Southgate’s England side to face Spain and Switzerland over the international break, but he was not handed a call-up.

While Sessegnon has not had the barnstorming start to Premier League life that many anticipated, his manager is certain of his importance.

"Ryan Sessegnon is 18-years-old with around 100 games in professional football," Jokanovic said.

"I made a decision, he does not need to play all of the games, nobody needs to play all of them.

"He is in the same process as the [rest of the] team, his potential is huge - 100 per cent he will be an important player for us this season.

"If doesn't play a game or doesn't start a game it is not tragic news.

"He is working hard, he pushes forward and he will be an important part of our Premier League team."

The Whites face a trip to Brighton this weekend, but will be without captain Tom Cairney, who could be out for up to a month.

"Tom Cairney is going to be unavailable for the Brighton game,” Jokanovic added.

"He has a foot injury and we still need to assess him but it is our expectation that he will be unavailable for a few weeks.

"We must assess him, he is going to be out for a few weeks. Yes, this is a big loss for us."

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