From the Press Box: Kevin likely needs surgery
Jack Kelly gives us the latest from Silva's pre-Spurs presser.
The last few weeks have consisted of a lot of away games, but now Fulham have three home fixtures to look forward to in the space of seven days. Starting this weekend against Spurs.
Igor Tudor’s reign got off to the worst possible start last weekend, as for the second time this season Tottenham were on the end of a 4-1 hammering from arch rivals Arsenal. Now, they visit the Cottage on Sunday, a ground they haven’t won at since January 2023.
Fulham are in a good place after a wobbly couple of weeks in the league resulting in three league defeats in a row. A win against Stoke in the FA Cup and a big win against Sunderland last Sunday means Fulham have climbed back into the top half of the Premier League.
It was bad news regarding Kevin’s injury. The Brazilian was forced off at the end of the first half against Spurs.
Silva confirmed it’s likely he will undergo surgery which will keep Kevin out the side for several weeks.
“About Kevin, as the feeling was after the game, it looked serious and he’s going to be out. We are waiting but probably he’s going to have a surgery next Monday and he’s going to be out for some week”, said Silva.
It’s the fifth metatarsal and he’s going to be out but soon you are going to have more feedback from our medical staff.”
It’s a bitter blow for Kevin, in his first season in England. Fulham are blessed with other options of the left, but Kevin was starting to find a bit of form after scoring three goals already this year. His performances reflected a player who was finding some confidence.
The injury is a setback and he will be missed.
Apart from Kevin, Silva said everyone else was available, including Sasa Lukic who has been out since January. Samuel Chukwueze has missed the last two games, but was training this week. Antonee Robinson was unavailable for last week’s win, but has trained this week too.
This is the first of three games at Craven Cottage. Three games in a week in both league and cup. Fulham have had a strong record against Spurs recently, and could do the double over them with a win on Sunday, a week after doing the same against Sunderland.
Raul Jimenez’s brace last week has got fans pondering as to whether the Mexican should stay another season, with his contract expiring in the summer. Silva was asked about it earlier.
“It's a possibility (another year at FFC) - it's up to him and the club. It's been a good season from him again, he's doing well. At the right time, we are going to have conversations."
This marks the start of a big run of games for Fulham. A real chance to pick up some more points, progress in the cup and keep the good feeling going. This could be a season defining week for Silva’s side.
Let’s hope we can start March off in the right way against struggling Spurs, ahead of the visit of West Ham on Wednesday.
COYW!