From the Press Box: Decisions pending on Tete and Smith Rowe ahead of Clarets clash
JK gives us the latest from Marco Silva's pre-match presser.
This is Fulham’s final match until 11 April, meaning three weeks without the Whites in action. We are heading into the March international break, but club football returns on the 4 April, but as Fulham are out of the FA Cup, they have another weekend off.
So, it gives even more importance to tomorrow’s game. A win keeps Fulham’s European hopes alive. A victory and some results going Fulham’s way would be every handy indeed. But all Silva’s side can do is focus on themselves as we enter into the final eight games of the season. We are well and truly in ‘the run-in’.
Fulham have been busy this week, securing a new striker for next season. USA and PSV striker Ricardo Pepi is reportedly joining in the summer. It’s yet to be formally announced, but it looks like the 23 year old will be wearing white ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
But when asked about Pepi, Silva said he had “no comment” to make. Like I said, there’s been no official announcement from either club. So, we will have to wait before we hear the manager’s thoughts on his new man.
Emile Smith Rowe missed last week’s draw against Nottingham Forest after feeling something in training two days before the game. He’s now back in training and will be assessed ahead of tomorrow.
Another doubt is Kenny Tete, who picked up a toe injury against Forest. There will be a decision made on him too ahead of the visit of Scott Parker’s Burnley.
“Yes, he’s been back. The first days of the week, he was not totally fit, but he’s getting better. It’s a decision that we are going to take regarding tomorrow’s game. Him and Kenny (Tete), we have to make decisions about both”, said Silva.
“Emile was out of the last game too so we will need to make the right decisions for the game.
“Tete had a knock on the foot, still painful, let’s see if he’s going to be ready or not.”
This is Scott Parker’s first Premier League clash at the Cottage against Fulham. His Bournemouth side were promoted with Fulham as runners up to Silva’s side in 2022. In both games, the sides drew 1-1.
Parker, I’m sure will ignore the noise upon his return to SW6 given this is a must-win for his Burnley side as they face the uphill task of survival, with games running out.
For Fulham, they could climb to eight on Saturday putting pressure on Everton and Brentford who both play on Saturday evening.
As we head into a three week break, a win is needed to boost morale, keep the fans happy and keep European football hopes alive and kicking.
Come on you whites!