From the Press Box: Everyone but Lukic available for Everton
Jack Kelly gives us the news from Silva's latest presser
After months of having sometimes several players out every matchday, the news of just one player missing from this weekend’s game against Everton is most welcome.
It feels incredibly refreshing, with Silva talking about how good and deep the competition in the squad is. It’s something for the fanbase to get excited about as we head into the closing months of the season.
Lukic’s absence means Alex Iwobi will continue his role in the middle of the park, with Harrison Reed and Tom Cairney still strong options from the bench.
But of course, the return of Rodrigo Muniz will be highly anticipated. It was in Fulham’s miserable defeat against Everton where Muniz was subbed on and then, shortly after coming close for the Whites, had to head back down the tunnel for a spell on the treatment table.
Since then he’s had surgery and missed a large chunk of the action, but it looks like we could see the Brazilian at the Cottage tomorrow.
Silva: “Tete will be in contention in the squad list. Good to have him back. Sasa will be out. All the other players are available.”
Kenny Tete could start against the side he was touted to join in the summer, before he opted to stay in West London.
Tomorrow may give us the chance to see a first glimpse and new signing Oscar Bobb, who wasn’t quite ready for last Sunday, but has since had a full week of training.
Silva said the vibes at Motspur Park are good, with almost everyone out on the grass.
“The environment is good, the feelings are very good, finally. And you can feel it during the week how competitive it will be in the future and it was during this week as well”, said Silva.
“So far the competition, the sound, everything is different. It’s nice to see all of them around and all of them competing for the position.
“Of course, it’s going to be tougher sessions, more competitive sessions. It’s a very good feeling for me, for my staff and even the players.
"It's always very good if you look around yourself and you see solutions there to have an impact"
Despite Fulham’s injury woes this season, we’ve done very, very well. Last week’s late dagger to the heart was tough to take, but Fulham have a chance to return to winning ways against an Everton side who have also had a great season under David Moyes.
Fulham do battle against the Toffees before another trip to Manchester to face Man City, before we continue our FA Cup exploits against Championship side Stoke City.
Fulham are still in the top 10 and hope to continue their push for Europe. With Bobb, Muniz, Tete and almost everyone else back, we could start to see the full potential of this impressive side.
Fulham haven’t beaten Everton in the league since August 2023, since then we’ve seen Adama Traore join and then leave the club.
In fact, the Whites’ last win at Craven Cottage against Everton was in 2019, when Fulham were already relegated.
I’m looking forward to tomorrow and the week ahead, as Fulham search for a third consecutive Premier League home win, and four in all comps.
COYW!