Fulham could be without the services of Aleksandar Mitrovic, Layvin Kurzawa and Antonee Robinson for Monday’s meeting with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Head coach Marco Silva confirmed during his pre-match press conference that the trio’s fitness will need to be closely monitored over the coming days before he makes a decision on who to include in his matchday squad for the resumption of the Premier League season on Boxing Day.
Serbian striker Mitrovic, who has scored nine goals in twelve appearances in the top flight this season, would clearly be the biggest miss with Brazilian forward Carlos Vinicius, who found the target in last weekend’s friendly with West Ham, his likeliest replacement.
Silva said:
“Mitrovic had that issue in his foot before the World Cup. He lost the last two games, recovered and played some games at the World Cup — but not fully fit. We are trying to get him into his best physical condition. If not Palace, he will probably [be fit] for the next one [against Southampton on December 31st].
Robinson and Kurzawa didn’t play against West Ham because they were injured. Not serious injuries. Robinson came back with a small problem in his foot from the World Cup. He didn’t train in the first 10-15 days since the World Cup. It’s a situation to see day by day, it’s not serious. It won’t take him for a good number of games.”
The possible absence of Fulham’s first choice left back and his direct replacement means that veteran Tim Ream may feature in that position for the second time this season. The 35 year-old played there in a 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest and started the draw against West Ham on Saturday.
Recall Joe Bryan?
I don’t understand the Mitro situation. He played 3 games over 2 weeks ago. So unless it was agrivated surely he’s fit enough to play for us? Anyone know any more?
I’m only going by the reporting at the time, but Mitrovic got badly injured against Sweden earlier this year and then played in the final Nations League game a few days later. It was reported that he played several games for Fulham whilst struggling with a foot injury and it was clear he wasn’t fully fit at the start of the World Cup. He didn’t seem to be particularly mobile during the tournament, but we can’t begrudge someone who has served Fulham so loyally from a chance of representing his country at a major tournament. Personally, I’d much rather we didn’t rush Mitro back again and gave him the time he needs – but that may mean we aren’t as clinical in the final third for a bit.