Marco Silva might have to do without seven first-team players as Fulham look to extend their unbeaten start to the Championship season at Blackpool this weekend.
The Whites will certainly be missing long-term injury absentees Terence Kongolo and Tom Cairney. Whilst the Dutch defender has returned to training, the trip to Bloomfield Road will come too soon for him to make his latest return from injury. Silva revealed in his pre-match press conference this afternoon that captain Cairney has been undergoing therapy to hasten his own return to training following troublesome knee problems that have plagued him for the last nine months.
Fulham have a number of worries about their international contingent. Aleksandar Mitrovic sustained a cheekbone injury during Serbia’s win over Luxembourg and, although he played in Tuesday’s draw with the Republic of Ireland, he returned to Motspur Park with a black eye and will be monitored before a final decision about his participation is made tomorrow. Harry Wilson was substituted in the first half of Wales’ draw with Estonia last night after complaining of blurred vision and Silva says the final call will be made by the club’s medical staff.
American duo Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson, who scored in last night’s thumping victory in Honduras, have yet to return from international duty and will be assessed tomorrow. Dutch defender Kenny Tete is definitely out with a hamstring strain – and Denis Odoi will be expected to deputise once again at right back.
“How many are out? That’s a good question. Mitro returned yesterday and has a couple of issues. The American players should be with us tomorrow and we’ll see how they are. As for Harry Wilson; I’m not the man to ask. I have to leave that to our medical staff to make that decision. We’re going to have to wait on all of them before making final decisions.
The others are in the same situation. Tom Cairney is not involved with the team, he’s still doing therapy to get as better as he can. Terence Kongolo has been with us already. Getting fitter and better day by day. But it’s a different situation, he needs time.”
Silva knows not to take Blackpool for granted, even though the Tangerines have yet to win a league game this season.
“It’ll be a tough game I expect them to play with energy to get their first win. They are a team that did really well last season. When you get promoted, you have good vibes around the club, even if they didn’t achieve the first win yet.”
