Kenny Tete will be out for at least eight weeks with an injury that forced him off during Fulham’s 2-2 draw at Liverpool on December 14, Cottagers manager Marco Silva has said.
Former Netherlands 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 absence as “not good news”. .
“The impact on his shin at that moment was clear to everyone watching the match on TV,” Silva said. “That big hit and tackle took a toll on his knee and he’s going to be out for a long time.
“He doesn’t need surgery or anything, but he will be out of sessions for at least eight to 10 weeks. It’s going to take more time for him to be ready after that – to be able to help us, like he really did.”
Bring on the holiday lights. 👊 pic.twitter.com/ywozP5GGPL
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 20, 2024
Fulham: Tete is performing very well
Fulham took the lead twice against the leaders on their way to a fourth game unbeaten as part of a nine-match losing streak that has dropped them to eighth in the table.
Belgium international Timothy Castagne, whose campaign Silva described as “impressive” with 29 starts in 34 league appearances last season, will replace Tete.
“It’s a big blow, there’s no doubt about it,” Silva said. “(That’s) not at all because Timothy is not at that level – Timothy is a very good right-back for us, and last season he showed it and (he has shown it during) his career.
“(Castagne) came to our football team (in August 2023) and the first time he took the position, he didn’t give any chance to Kenny Tete last season.
“This season has been slightly the opposite because Timothy Castagne came back (returned) a bit late (from Euro 2024) and Kenny has had a very good preparation and is performing so well.”
Naija boys. 🦅 pic.twitter.com/wkObamgH68
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 20, 2024
Silva: Castanet “has all the confidence”
“It will be time for Timothy to come and show his quality again,” Silva added. “He is more than ready and has full confidence from us. 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 we are really comfortable with that situation. But, of course, I’d rather have both ready than just one.”
Fulham are at home on Sunday (2pm GMT) to leaders Southampton, who are reportedly close to appointing former Roma boss Ivan Djuric as Russell Martin’s replacement.
Martin was sacked after Saints’ 5-0 home defeat by Tottenham on Sunday, leaving them nine points adrift of safety after their 13th loss in 16 league games.
