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Fulham Manager Marco Silva gave a positive update on team news in his pre-Leeds United press conference.
Josh King is the only recent absentee who is in contention for a return for the trip to Elland Road, but Rodrigo Muniz has been back out on the grass at Motspur Park this week as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.
“Josh King could be back in contention for the game, he’s with the team, working well," said Silva. "We will take a decision. It’s too soon for Kenny (Tete) and Rodrigo.
“The middle of February could be a date for Rodrigo. It’s nice to see him outside on the grass working on the pitch, with the medical staff inside, and let’s hope everything continues well with him. He’s getting better and better.”
Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze are expected to complete a full week of training ahead of next Saturday’s clash with Brighton.
The three Nigeria boys were knocked out of the African Cup of Nations in heartbreaking circumstances on Wednesday evening, losing on penalties to hosts Morocco.
“This is the last game where they’re going to be away from the preparation,” said Silva. “We’ll have to assess them when they are back, but if nothing happens different to what we expect, then they will be working with the team the whole (of next) week.
“They are going to be important like they were before, simple as that. The more competition there is throughout the week is very important. We are talking right now about six players who are out who are very important for us."
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Diop, Robinson; Berge, Cairney; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jimenez
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Leeds playmaker Brenden Aaronson recovered from a knock sustained at St James' Park to feature off the bench against Derby, while Sam Byram was also able to come on as a substitute in the cup after a back concern.
Joe Rodon (fatigue), Jayden Bogle (calf) and Sebastiaan Bornauw (hip) should also shake off their concerns to make the cut, leaving Daniel James (thigh) as the solitary injury victim in the infirmary.
Given the afternoon off at Pride Park, hotshot Calvert-Lewin is now just one strike away from reaching 10 goals in the Premier League season; not since scoring 16 for Everton in 2020-21 has he reached double figures in the top flight.
The Whites also announced the loan signing of Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday, but it would be a surprise to see him start straight away.
Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Perri; Struijk, Rodon, Bijol; Justin, Gruev, Ampadu, Stach, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Aaronson
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