From the press box: Tete and King likely out of Liverpool clash

Jack Kelly gives us the lowdown from the first Silva presser of 2026.

…And we’re back again! I’m writing this 22 hours after our game against Crystal Palace kicked off. Talk about quick turnarounds.

When you attend a post-match press conference at around 20:30 and then a pre-match press conference at 13:30 the next day, not an awful lot changes in terms of news - but it was a chance to get some more clarification on the injuries to Josh King and Kenny Tete.

Established last night, Tete suffered a hamstring injury during the game, while Josh King has a knee injury, keeping him out of the matchday squad.

Here’s what Silva had to say:

"They are probably going to be out of the next game - we will keep assessing them. They don't look long term, but you never know. Next week, I can be more sure.

“Right now, we have some more hours, not many until the game and we are going to have another session, we are going to keep assessing them, recover the others, some normal knocks from the last game too.

“But in these two situations, probably they are going to be out for Liverpool.

“Sess is training with the team. He had another good session this morning, but it’s probably too early for him to be in contention for the Liverpool game. Let’s see what’s going to happen for the next one.”

Given that, and the five other players unavailable, the starting XI may pick itself on Sunday.

OK, so let’s turn our attention to Liverpool. The current Champions, but a side we won four points from last season. They’re unbeaten since 30 November, but were frustrated by Leeds at Anfield last night.

Of course, they’re missing main character Mo Salah, and big summer signing Alexander Isak but still have plenty of firepower at their disposal.

Fulham have had to dig deep in the last few weeks, and 10 points from the last four games has been a superb return. It probably should’ve been 12!

If Fulham secure back-to-back wins against Liverpool, Silva’s side would sit just three points behind the Reds, what a start to 2026 at Craven Cottage that would be by the way!

Three home games in seven days for Fulham. A few points and a place in round four of the FA Cup would be a welcome return.

This Chirstmas/New Year/January period has been and still will be a slog. But, Silva is getting the maximum out of the limited resources he has at his disposal. If Fulham are able to do some business in the next few weeks, that will ease the strain on the squad.

It’s a hectic start to the year, on top of that the window is open, so I have been and will be busy keeping up with that ongoings, and potential incomings and outgoings at Fulham Football Club. For more, follow me on X and subscribe to my Patreon!

Tonight’s embargoed section is worth staying up for.

Up the Fulham.