From The Press Box: Sessegnon absent but Tete in contention
Jack Kelly was at Marco Silva's latest presser as Fulham travel to Arsenal on Saturday
Fulham are well and truly in the race for Europe, but face the tough test of facing Champions League semi-finalists and Premier League leaders Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday - a stadium we’ve never won at.
Most neutrals don’t want Mikel Arteta’s side to lift the trophy at the end of the merry month of May, so Fulham will have the backing of a packed out away end, and millions of people around the world at Saturday tea-time.
Ryan Sessegnon had a bitter-sweet afternoon last time out - scoring the winner as Fulham beat Aston Villa, but sadly was forced off due to a hamstring injury. Marco Silva confirmed that Sess would miss the short trip to north London, and most likely be missing for the visit of Bournemouth next week.
"Not good news about Sess, he will be out of the next game & probably the game after too. Alex is out still, Kevin too. Kenny is back, maybe in contention, too soon for him to start. We have some doubts with some players, who probably will be ready”, said Silva.
Silva added later that the medical staff approach Sessegnon’s injuries and recoveries with extra caution, given his history of bad luck when it comes to injuries.
The focus is 100% of Europe. It’s been the aim for the staff and players. Silva said that even when things got tough in the last month or so, nobody was willing to throw in the towel.
"It's a fight (for Europe) we are in the fight. If you win a game, confidence is boosted. Brentford game, we drew - I didn't see anyone giving up after that in our meetings & all that stuff."
"It's another very difficult game for us, there are three points to fight for, so we are going to fight."
The contract questions arose once more. Silva insists him staying isn't dependent on Fulham getting a European place.
"It's a decision that I'm going to take, the club is going to take & together we are going to take. It's not because we are going to achieve something or not, that is going to be the decisive situation for us."
"We are completely in the same place & aligned. The things that we have been talking about, what is going to be necessary for the football club for the future. We are working on it."
"Even after lunch today, I had another meeting looking for the future of the club. It's my job to do it. I'm going to do it until the last game of the season. & after that. Right now, it's the position that we are in."
So all eyes on Saturday. It’s a massive game, for so many reasons. Arsenal will have the opportunity to extend their lead at the top to six points before Manchester City play on Monday night. Fulham need points to keep the dream of Europe alive.
Losing on Saturday wouldn’t eliminate Fulham from the European conversation, but it would mean the Bournemouth game next week would be a must-win. A draw would benefit Fulham, but Arsenal may live to regret it at the end of the season.
I’m looking forward to Saturday, let’s hope Fulham can get their first win at Arsenal, affect the title race and climb up the table!
It’s simply huge.
Come on Fulham!