Kenny Tete will be out for at least eight weeks with an injury that forced him off during Fulham’s 2-2 draw at Liverpool on December 14, Cottagers manager Marco Silva has said.
Former Netherlands international Tete had started 14 of Fulham’s 15 Premier League matches before his second-half collision with Reds defender Joe Gomez at Anfield, leaving Silva to describe his long-term absence as “not good news”.
“The impact on his shin in that moment was clear for everyone that was watching the game on TV,” said Silva. “That big knock and tackle had an impact in his knee, and he’s going to be out for a long period.
“He doesn’t need surgery or something like that, but he is going to be out of the sessions for at least eight-to-10 weeks. It will take longer time for him to be ready after that – to be able to help us, like he was really doing.”
Bring on the festive fixtures. 👊 pic.twitter.com/ywozP5GGPL
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 20, 2024
Fulham: Tete ‘performing so well’
Fulham took the lead twice against the leaders on their way to a fourth game unbeaten as part of a run of one defeat in nine matches that has put them eighth in the table.
Belgium international Timothy Castagne, whose campaign Silva described as “impressive” during 29 starts in 34 league appearances last season, will replace Tete.
“It’s a big blow, no doubt about it,” Silva said. “[That’s] not at all because Timothy is not at this level – Timothy is a really good right-back for us, and last season he showed that, and he’s [shown it during] his career.
“[Castagne] came to our football club [in August 2023] and the first time he got the position, he didn’t give any chance for Kenny Tete last season.
“This season was slightly the opposite, because Timothy Castagne came [back] a little bit late [from Euro 2024], and Kenny had a very good pre-season and is performing so well.”
Naija boys. 🦅 pic.twitter.com/wkObamgH68
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 20, 2024
Silva: Castagne ‘has all the trust’
“It’s going to be a time for Timothy to come and show his quality again,” added Silva. “He’s more than ready for it and he has all the trust from ourselves. More than that, he has the quality to do it in a very good way.
“They are different football players, but they are two very good right-backs, and we are really comfortable with that situation. But, of course, I would prefer to have both ready than just one.”
Fulham are at home on Sunday (2pm GMT) to rock-bottom Southampton, who are reportedly closing in on appointing former Roma manager Ivan Juric as Russell Martin’s replacement.
Martin was sacked following Saints’ 5-0 home defeat to Tottenham on Sunday, putting them nine points from safety after their 13th loss from 16 league matches.
