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Kenny Tete will be out for at least eight weeks with the injury that forced him to leave the team during Fulham’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool on December 14, Cottagers manager Marco Silva said.
Former Netherlands international Tete started 14 of Fulham’s 15 Premier League games before colliding with Reds defender Joe Gomez at Anfield in the second half, leaving Silva to describe his prolonged absence as “not good news”.
“The blow to his shin at that moment was clear to everyone watching the game on TV,” Silva said. “That big hit and tackle had an impact on his knee, so he will be out for a long time.
“He doesn’t need surgery or anything like that, but he will be out of training for at least eight to 10 weeks. He will need more time to be ready after that – to be able to help us, as he really did.”
Bring your festive gear. 👊 pic.twitter.com/ywozP5GGPL
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 20, 2024
Fulham: Tete ‘plays well’
Fulham twice led against the leaders en route to a fourth game unbeaten in a run of one defeat in nine matches that has left them eighth in the table.
Belgium international Timothy Castagne, whose campaign Silva described as “impressive” during 29 starts in 34 league appearances last season, will replace Tete.
“It’s a big blow, no doubt about it,” Silva said. “(It’s) not at all because Timothy is not at this level – Timothy is a really good right-back for us, and he showed that last season, and (has shown that throughout) his career.
“(Castagne) came to our football club (in August 2023) and the first time he got the position, last season he didn’t give any chance to Kenny Tete.
“This season has been a bit of the opposite, because Timothy Castagne came (back) a bit late (from Euro 2024) and Kenny had a very good pre-season and is playing so well.”
Naija guys. 🦅 pic.twitter.com/wkObamgH68
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 20, 2024
Silva: Castagne ‘has full confidence’
“It will be time for Timothy to come and show his quality again,” added Silva. “He is more than ready for it and has all our trust. More than that, he has the quality to do it in a very good way.
“They are different footballers, but they are two very good right backs and that situation really suits us. But, of course, I’d rather have both ready than just one.”
Fulham are at home to bottom side Southampton on Sunday (1400 GMT), who are reportedly closing in on appointing former Roma manager Ivan Juric as Russell Martin’s replacement.
Martin was sacked following Saints’ 5-0 defeat by Tottenham on Sunday, which left them nine points from safety after their 13th defeat in 16 league games.
