Tete’s long-term injury is “a big blow”, Silva says

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 said.

Former Netherlands international Tete had started 14 of Fulham’s 15 Premier League games before the second-half collision with Reds defender Joe Gomez at Anfield, leaving Silva to describe his long-term absence as ” not good news.”

“The impact on his shin at the time was obvious to everyone watching the game on TV,” Silva said. “That big hit and tackle took a toll on the knee, and he’s going to be out for a long period.

“He doesn’t need surgery or anything like that, but he’s going to be out of action for at least eight to 10 weeks. It’s going to take longer for him to be ready after that, to be able to help us, like he really did.”

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— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 20, 2024

Fulham: Tete “does so well”

Fulham twice went ahead against the leaders en route to a fourth game unbeaten as part of a nine-game losing streak that has seen them eighth in the table.

Belgium international Timothy Castagne, whose campaign Silva described as “impressive” during 29 starts in 34 La Liga appearances last season, will replace Tete.

“It’s a big blow, no doubt,” Silva said. “(That’s not) at all because Timothy is not at that level – Timothy is a very good right-back for us, and he showed that last season, and he showed that throughout his career.

“(Castagne) came to our football club (in August 2023) and the first time he got the job, he didn’t give Kenny Tete a chance last season.

“This season was 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 doing very well.”

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— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 20, 2024

Silva: Castagne “has all the confidence”

“It will be a moment for Timothy to show his quality again,” added Silva. “He is more than ready for this and has full confidence in us. Moreover, he has the quality to do it very well.

“They are different footballers, but they are two very good right-backs and we are very comfortable with this situation. But of course I’d rather have both ready than just one.”

Fulham are at home to Southampton on Sunday (2pm GMT), who are closing in on appointing former Roma boss Ivan Juric as Russell Martin’s replacement.

Martin was sacked following the Saints’ 5-0 home defeat by Tottenham on Sunday, which left them nine points adrift of safety following their 13th defeat in 16 league games.