A fitness test is a mysterious challenge set for a half-fit player to ascertain whether or not they are able to play in a match. They are almost always late. At any given time, dozens of players are 'facing a late fitness test, but the nature of this test differs wildly from club to club. Old-fashioned Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov only needed to complete a couple of laps of the pitch to convince Sir Alex Ferguson to pick him for Manchester United's September clash with Liverpool.