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Fulham manager Marco Silva admits Aleksandar Mitrovic's eight game ban for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh has been 'really tough' for the striker, who will be available for the first time since March when the Cottagers travel to Southampton on Saturday

Fulham boss Marco Silva admits Aleksandar Mitrovic's spell out of the team due to a ban has been 'really tough' on the forward but is looking forward to welcoming him back after Monday's game against Leicester.

Mitrovic was banned for eight games after pushing referee Chris Kavanagh in Fulham's FA Cup quarter-final defeat at Old Trafford in March.

Fulham's game against Leicester on Monday will be the striker's final game out after his lengthy suspension, with the forward set to return to the squad for the following game against Southampton.

And Silva, who was also sent off and handed a two-game touchline ban for his response towards the officials in Fulham's FA Cup defeat, says it has been a difficult period for the Serbian international.