|
|
| |
Fulham will be without the services of Saša Lukic for our upcoming fixtures after the midfielder picked up a hamstring injury in Leeds.
It makes the return of Alex Iwobi – along with Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze – all the more timely, but it’s a blow nonetheless.
“It was a difficult moment for him,” Marco Silva said in his pre-Brighton press conference. “After the game it was painful, was difficult even to walk, and the feedback just confirmed that it was a serious injury.
“It’s going to be difficult to define a clear timescale – more than four weeks probably out, four to five weeks he’s going to be out of our plans for the games.
“He’s another big player for us that is going to be out – it’s a moment for the others to step in. It’s our story so far this season.”
In more positive news, Kenny Tete and Rodrigo Muniz are back in training, with one of them potentially making an appearance against Brighton this weekend.
“Rodrigo next week is going to give other steps in the direction of what is important for him to be ready,” Silva explained. “If you ask me right now, next week he’s probably not going to be in contention [to face Manchester United].
“From the next week, if he's going to react well, probably have him soon in contention. But next week, for sure not.
“About Kenny – he's training with the team. Depending on my decision, he can be in contention for tomorrow.”
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Wilson, Kevin; Jimenez
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As for Brighton, Mats Wieffer (toe), Solly March, Adam Webster and Stefanos Tzimas (all knee) all remain sidelined with injuries, while Maxim De Cuyper missed the draw with Bournemouth due to illness and will be assessed ahead of kickoff this weekend.
Hurzeler will consider recalling midfield duo Carlos Baleba and Yasin Ayari, but Jak Hinshelwood and Pasal Gross may be preferred in the first XI, wile 40-year-old James Milner is another midfield option available for selection.
The Seagulls boss may also consider freshening up his attack by handing Georginio Rutter and Yankuba Minteh starts in the final third at the expense of Diego Gomez and Brajan Gruda, while Danny Welbeck is the most likely Brighton player to lead the line.
Brighton and Hove Albion possible starting lineup:
Verbruggen; Veltman, Dunk, Van Hecke, Kadioglu; Ayari, Gross; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Welbeck
|
|
|
|