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

Kenny Tete will be out for at least eight weeks with an injury which 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 matches before his second-half collision with Reds defender Joe Gomez at Anfield, leaving Silva to describe the his long absence as “not good news”.

“The impact on his spine at that moment was clear to anyone watching the game on TV,” said Silva. “That big knock and tackle had an impact on the 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 action for at least eight to 10 weeks. After that it will take more time to be ready – to be able to help us, as he was really doing.”

Bring on the party favors. 👊 pic.twitter.com/ywozP5GGPL

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) 20 December 2024

Fulham: Tete ‘does very well’

Fulham twice took the lead against the leaders on their way to a fourth game unbeaten as part of a run of one defeat in nine games 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. “(That’s) nothing because Timothy is not at this level – Timothy is a really good right-back for us, and last season he showed that, and he (showed it during) his career.

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

“This season was a bit the opposite, because Timothy Castagne came (back) a little late (from Euro 2024), and Kenny had a very good pre-season and is working so well.”

Naija boys. 🦅 pic.twitter.com/wkObamgH68

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) 20 December 2024

Silva: Castagne ‘has all the 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 the confidence from us. More than that, he has the quality to do it very well.

“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 done than just one.”

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

Martin was sacked after Saints’ 5-0 home defeat to Tottenham on Sunday, leaving them nine points from safety after their 13th defeat from 16 league games.