Image Credits: Imago Images
Fulham have suffered an injury setback ahead of their Premier League clash with Liverpool at Craven Cottage on Sunday. The Reds travel to west London looking to bounce back after a frustrating 0-0 draw with Leeds United.
While Arne Slot’s side extended their unbeaten run to eight matches, they lacked cutting edge in the final third. The Premier League champions will now face a Fulham team in good form, with Marco Silva’s side unbeaten in their last four league outings.
The Cottagers, who sit 11th in the table, recently claimed a 1-1 draw away at Crystal Palace on Thursday night, however, they were dealt a blow in that match. Key defender Kenny Tete was forced off with a hamstring injury.
The Dutchman was withdrawn in the 51st minute and replaced by Tom Cairney, who went on to score the visitors’ equaliser. Speaking after the game, Silva admitted he does not expect Tete to be available for the visit of Liverpool.
Silva said: “Kenny Tete, he felt something in his hamstring. First reaction is it’s not so serious but we probably have to wait some hours, probably one or two days after a scan to see what is going to happen. I can say now it’s probably going to be difficult to be in condition for the Liverpool game.”
Fulham were also without Josh King against Palace. The 18-year-old has played an important role this season, making 21 appearances in all competitions and scoring once. Silva remains unsure whether King, who is nursing a knee problem, will be fit in time to face Liverpool.
The Portuguese boss added: “Josh, he felt something two days ago in his knee. He trained yesterday but if you’re not feeling very confident and well in the knee and feeling a bit of pain and the word from the medical staff was it was going to be a big risk for him to be involved in the game. Let’s see how it’s going to react and if he’s going to be involved in the next one or not.”
The injury concerns are compounded by several absences due to international duty. Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Calvin Bassey are all away representing Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Meanwhile, Rodrigo Muniz is continuing his recovery from a hamstring issue, while Ryan Sessegnon has missed Fulham’s last five matches with a similar problem.
Read more: Andoni Iraola confirms Antoine Semenyo decision
Arne Slot breaks silence on Aaron Briggs exit
Ifeanyi Ndukwe to join Liverpool
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.