From the Press Box: Kevin back in contention ahead of crucial Cherries clash
JK updates us from Marci Silva's pre-Bournemouth presser
It’s clear that despite some thinking that Fulham’s season would be done and dusted by March, we’re now into the merry month of May, and Fulham’s season is still alive and kicking - with three games to go!
Last weekend was awful. A miserable evening in north London (forever) where the game was sewn up by half-time. Slumped in my seat, I had to endure the Arsenal fan’s joy, while reading through justified angry and disgruntled comments from the Fulham faithful.
I had to regrettably miss a David Bowie tribute act evening that night at the Half Moon in Putney (of Fulhamish live podcast fame) due to the evening kick-off. The performance from Fulham lacked any Starman in black and white, with Marco Silva’s side constantly under pressure at the Emirates.
But, because of the ridiculous nature of this season’s Premier League, Fulham still have a shot at the big time - Europe. It’s still on but, for about the millionth time, this is their last chance. We have to win. Some have explained that a draw is fine, as long as we win our next two. That may be the case, but I’d much rather be walking out of the Cottage tomorrow with all three points.
Not only is Europe still on, but all three of the UEFA competitions are up for grabs. Permutations upon permutations upon permutations. Sifting through them all will make your head spin, but there’s a narrow and small chance that we could be seeing Scampi and Peas football at the Cottage next season. But, we have to pop those unbeaten Cherries - they haven’t lost in 15 Premier League games.
Onto the press conference. Some big news regarding our favourite Brazilian winger: Kevin is back in contention after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Only Alex Iwobi and Ryan Sessegnon will miss tomorrow afternoon’s game.
"Sess and Iwobi will be out. Everyone else is available”, said Silva.
"Sander had the illness, he's been suffering a little bit more - he's trying his best, he will be in contention. Raul didn't train for the full week because of the same thing. Kevin is back in contention.
"We've been squeezing the maximum out of Raul. He's been doing his best for the team. Kevin took a very difficult injury, which broke his momentum. Now he's back, maybe not in his best physical condition, we need him for the next three games.
"To lose Alex and Sess at this stage of the season is a big, big blow - for our left-hand side. It's not a moment to complain or cry about it. We have other solutions."
Silva emphasised how important this game is. Fulham need to try and replicate the type of performance shown in our last home game against Aston Villa, rather than what we saw last week against Arsenal.
With so many teams vying for the European places, clubs will drop points on a weekly basis - Fulham need to pick themselves up from last week and bounce back. Three points will see them go within a point of Andoni Iraola’s side.
A defeat will probably end hopes of European football. But, Fulham have two home fixtures, with a final away game sandwiched in-between, against already relegated Wolves. Fulham’s form at Craven Cottage has been strong this season, and Silva wants the Fulham fans to push his side as we reach the final three hurdles of this campaign.
“It's the most important (game) - It's a very, very important game for us. I want us to bounce back, I hope the fans are with us from the first minute, we need them to be with us”, Silva added.
So, fingers crossed for tomorrow - come on you Whites!