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Kenny Tete will be out for at least eight weeks due to an injury that forced him off during Fulham’s 2-2 draw at Liverpool on December 14, Cottagers coach Marco Silva said.
Former Dutch international Tete had started 14 of Fulham’s 15 Premier League games before his second-half clash with Reds defender Joe Gomez at Anfield, leaving Silva to describe his long-term absence like “it’s not good news.”
“The impact on his shin at that moment was clear to everyone watching the game on television,” Silva said. “That big hit and that tackle had an impact on his knee and he will be out for a long period.
“He doesn’t need surgery or anything like that, but he will be out of sessions for at least eight to ten weeks. It will take him longer to be ready after that and be able to help us, like he really was doing.”
Bring on the festive accessories. 👊 pic.twitter.com/ywozP5GGPL
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 20, 2024
Fulham: Tete ‘is performing very well’
Fulham twice took the lead against the leaders on their way to a fourth unbeaten match as part of a run of one defeat in nine matches that has seen them move to eighth in the table.
Belgian international Timothy Castagne, whose campaign Silva described as “impressive” during 29 starts in 34 league games last season, will replace Tete.
“It’s a big blow, there’s no doubt about it,” Silva said. “(That) is not at all because Timothy is not at this level; Timothy is a very good right back for us, and he showed it last season, and he has shown it throughout his career.
“(Castagne) came to our football club (in August 2023) and when he first got the job he didn’t give Kenny Tete any chance last season.
“This season was a bit the opposite, because Timothy Castagne returned a bit late (from Euro 2024) and Kenny had a very good pre-season and is performing very well.”
Naija Boys. 🦅 pic.twitter.com/wkObamgH68
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 20, 2024
Silva: Castagne ‘has all the confidence’
“It will be time for Timothy to come and demonstrate his quality again,” added Silva. “He is more than prepared for it and has all the confidence on our part. What’s more, 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 we are very comfortable with that situation. But of course I’d rather have both ready than just one.”
Fulham play at home to bottom club Southampton on Sunday (14:00 GMT), who are reportedly close to appointing former Roma manager Ivan Juric as Russell Martin’s replacement.
Martin was sacked following Saints’ 5-0 home defeat to Tottenham on Sunday, putting them nine points adrift of safety after their 13th defeat in 16 league games.
