Fulham rule out Ryan Sessegnon and Alex Iwobi for Arsenal clash
Fulham manager Marco Silva has confirmed that three players, including Ryan Sessegnon, will miss Saturday’s Premier League trip to title-chasing Arsenal due to injury.
The Cottagers make the short journey across the capital hoping to bolster their European qualification ambitions.
A surprise victory at the Emirates Stadium could seriously dent the championship hopes of Mikel Arteta’s side.
Sessegnon faces spell on the sidelines
Sessegnon recently secured all three points for his team by scoring the winning goal against Aston Villa.
However, the 25-year-old winger has now been ruled out of the upcoming London derby alongside teammate Kevin and former Gunners midfielder Alex Iwobi.
The wide player is also expected to sit out the club’s penultimate home fixture of the season against Bournemouth on May 9.
“It’s not good news about him,” Silva told reporters on Thursday.
“Sessegnon is going to be out of the next game, and probably the one after will be the same story for him, and then we will have to assess him day by day.”
“Alex is out still, plus Kevin.”
European push meets title race
The west London outfit currently sit tenth in the table on 48 points, remaining firmly in the hunt for a Europa League qualification spot.
A highly competitive midfield battle currently sees just four points separating sixth-placed Brighton from Sunderland in 12th.
Despite the offensive absentees, the Portuguese head coach did deliver some positive news regarding his defensive options.
Tete edges closer to return
Dutch full-back Kenny Tete is available for selection once again after missing the last four domestic fixtures.
The defender has been sidelined since a goalless stalemate against Nottingham Forest on March 15.
While the returning right-back will not be rushed into the starting lineup in north London, he remains in contention to make the matchday squad.
“Kenny, we will have to see how he reacts from the last two sessions,” Silva explained.
“He can probably be involved in the game.”
The coaching staff will conduct late fitness tests on a few remaining squad members to determine the final travelling party.
“We have some doubts on some players, but we will assess them tomorrow to see how they react from things that happened in the week,” the manager concluded.
