Sunderland vs Fulham early injury news as 3 ruled out and 1 doubt
A look at the early injury news surrounding Fulham and Sunderland as they prepare to face off in the Premier League.
Fulham are back in action on Sunday when they face Sunderland in a tricky away clash as they look to get back into the European race. The Cottagers are six points off seventh place at this stage, so they are going to need a consistent run of results to secure European football this season
As for Sunderland, they are just two points better off, so this game sees two teams with similar ambitions go head-to-head, and it could be something of a six-pointer given the limited margin for error both teams have. Sunderland have not been great away from home, but at the Stadium of Light, they have only lost once all season, so Fulham will have a tough job on their hands here.
Below we round up all the latest injury news surrounding both teams.
Bertrand Traore - Out
Le Bris has said: "(Bertrand) is similar to Granit (Xhaka), almost three weeks. Something like that. It is symptom-driven, but they are both in a good place, so hopefully we will have good news in a few weeks." Traore is expected back in March.
Granit Xhaka - Out
The same update as above applies. That means the veteran midfielder will be out for at least another week.
Tom Cairney - Doubt
Cairney could be back here. Silva said last week: "It's too soon for Tom - nothing serious, a knock on the calf, but we have to be careful. After the first exam, we decided not to risk it." The midfielder could well be in contention.
Sasa Lukic - Out
The last update from Silva came in early February when he said: "Just Sasa Lukic is [not] going to be in contention. It's going to be too soon; he's not even training with the team yet. It's going to be more weeks." Given that update, we can assume Lukic will remain out for another week or so, but he may be getting close.
https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/sunderland-fulham-early-injury-news-5603000
Saints tie confirmed
Fulham's Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round tie with Southampton will take place on Sunday 8th March (12pm) at Craven Cottage, and will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2 and discovery+.
Ticket information will follow in due course.
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/february/19/saints-tie-confirmed/
Fulham star Kenny Tete fires 'bounce back' warning at Sunderland amid Black Cats fans verdict
Sunderland host Fulham in the Premier League this weekend.
Fulham full-back Kenny Tete has praised Sunderland for their form since returning to the Premier League, but has argued that Sunday's meeting between the two sides at the Stadium of Light represents an opportunity for the Cottagers to "bounce back" after a recent dip in form.
Marco Silva's men travel to Wearside this weekend just one place and two points behind their hosts in the table having suffered four defeats in their last five top flight outings. They did, however, beat the Black Cats when the teams faced off in West London, and Tete is hoping for another similarly positive result this time around.
When asked to assess Fulham's recent downturn in fortunes during an interview with their in-house media team, the Dutchman said: "A bit unlucky. I think, if you look at the game against Manchester United, we deserved more. Everton, a very good game first half, where you have to score more goals because if you don't do it, you know how it goes in the Premier League. It's ruthless, and the opposition will score, so a hard lesson for us. [Manchester] City was hard, yeah."
Tete then turned his attention to Sunday's match against Sunderland, adding: "Away, as well, so it's also a different story. At the Cottage it was already tight, it was not an easy game. Obviously we know that they are a solid team, they have good results, and at home they are a different team. It's a good moment for us to bounce back, so let's see."
What else did Fulham defender Kenny Tete say about Sunderland?
Tete was also asked why Sunderland's home record has been so stellar this season, while their away form has occasionally stuttered, to which he replied: "It's completely different. It's a good question... We have now, at the Cottage, good results, and away, we have a bit less. The years before, it was a lot away, so... I don't know, actually, what it is, but I reckon their fans are probably great, and they are behind them, or maybe there's something with the stadium. I don't know. Maybe it's the wind! There should be something there!"
On Sunderland's return to the top flight this season, he continued: "[I've been] Quite impressed. Obviously, they brought a lot of players in. I think they brought a lot of the right players in, and I know it's not easy. I've been there, coming up and fighting against the big teams. It's not easy, and to come back and be so steady, yeah, it's impressive."
Tete also went on to speak about knowledge of the Black Cats' squad, and in particular, his close relationship with winger Bertrand Traore. He said: "I know the Dutch players. [Brian] Brobbey obviously more because he is from Amsterdam. Amsterdam connection, Ajax connection... Can't go wrong.
"Obviously, I played with him [Traore] at Ajax, and we did so well, and we went together to Lyon. We played together at Lyon, and he's actually one of my closest friends anyway in football. Like, I don't speak to him every day, but he's a good player, great player. A lot of good memories with him."
https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/fulham-sunderland-kenny-tete-5604406
Don't give up on this team just yet
It's been a rough few weeks, but there's so much more to come.
The past month has been tough. Four losses in five league matches, including conceding the deciding goal in stoppage time on two separate occasions and then chucking away all three points against Everton. At one point we were seventh in the table, two points off fourth. We're now 12th.
Our downturn in form has caused a downward spiral in the stands. I've seen a lot of discourse that effectively boils down to two words: "typical Fulham". I mean, it's hard not to look at it that way right? Every year it feels like we graft through the winter fixture congestion, dragging ourselves into pole position for European contention, only to implode once the tulips start to blossom. A year ago today we were eighth in the league, three years ago we were sixth. We know how those seasons ended.
The Everton game two weeks ago was the flash point. Like a grim version of the scene in Ratatouille where the food critic tastes a dish that transports him back to his childhood, when Bernd Leno punched that corner into our own net, we all had that horrible flashback to the turning points in all of our recent seasons. Crystal Palace in the FA Cup, Chelsea at home in the same season, Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final, Chris Kavanagh at Old Trafford. Every season is stamped with a game that we can all look at and go "yep, that's when it all went wrong".
But what if the Everton game wasn't the start of annual descent? What if it was our nadir?
This side has got something. It is by no means perfect; there are quite obvious flaws. But in terms of talent, it's possibly one of the best we've ever had. Scraping past Stoke probably should have been another warning sign, but it's unfortunately given me hope.
Watching Oscar Bobb grow into that game, bobbing (sorry) and weaving past the Potters, Kevin on the other flank, frankly taking the piss out of Ashley Phillips; it was titillating.
Big month
Where I hope the past 30 days don't define Fulham's season, I know the next 30 will. Four games against teams in the bottom five and a fifth round tie at home against Championship opposition. This is where Fulham need to make a statement.
This season has been all about runs, chaining results together. No one around us has found consistency in performances nor results. While we went six games unbeaten and flew up the table, Bournemouth went winless in 11 and fell to 15th. They now sit three points above us. Yes, that potentially sounds demoralising, but it's also motivational - it shows what can be done.
This is why we can't give up yet. Why can't this team be different to the ones that let us down before? Yes, maybe we are fallible at the back, light on numbers in midfield, and lack a talisman up top. Those things are all definitely true.
However, we've also got one of the most exciting forward lines in the league. Right-backs lie awake at night, panicking about how they will deal with Kevin and Samuel Chukwueze. Left-backs lie awake at night, packing about how they will deal with Harry Wilson and Oscar Bobb. The prospect of being able to watch any combination of those four players is incredibly exciting.
Beyond that though, we've got one of the best one-on-one defenders in the league back to fitness in Kenny Tete, we've finally got two strikers to choose from, and Harrison Reed is making a late run for the England squad (slight hyperbole). We have some, not all, of the ingredients that we need, but there's enough there to get me salivating.
Sadly, I think we know that talent isn't the problem. This team can beat anyone other than Man City. It doesn't matter who we're playing, what matters is when we're playing them. When something is on the line, this team do not thrive. This is Marco Silva's quandary.
If he can find a way to get this team to stand up when it really counts, then we're onto something here. Don't give up on them just yet.
https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/dont-give-up-on-this-team-just-yet
Sunderland vs. Fulham: How to watch, date, time, live stream and TV channel for Premier League clash
Sunderland and Fulham will continue their respective Premier League campaigns with a clash at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon.
The Black Cats are 11th in the Premier League table, two points ahead of 12th-placed Fulham, with both teams comfortably clear of the relegation zone.
Here, Sports Mole provides details of how to tune into the contest.
What time does Sunderland vs. Fulham kick off?
The Premier League match will kick off at 2pm UK time on Sunday.
Where is Sunderland vs. Fulham being played?
The game will take place at Sunderland's home ground, the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have been impressive on home soil in the Premier League this season, picking up 26 points from 13 matches, but their unbeaten league record at the Stadium of Light in 2025-26 was brought to an end by Liverpool last time out.
How to watch Sunderland vs. Fulham in the UK
TV channels
The Premier League contest at the Stadium of Light will be available on Sky Sports Premier League for viewers in the UK.
Online streaming
Sky customers can access the Premier League match on Sky Go and on the Sky Sports app, while it is also available via Now TV's Sports membership.
Highlights
Sky Sports will show highlights, including any goals which have been scored, on their social media and YouTube channels, as well as on their dedicated app.
Meanwhile, BBC One's Match of the Day will show highlights of the match on Sunday evening, with the programme beginning at 10.30pm and ending at 11.40pm.
Sunderland vs. Fulham: What's the story?
Both Sunderland and Fulham will enter this match off the back of FA Cup wins, with the former beating Oxford United, while the latter overcame Stoke.
However, Sunderland have lost three of their last four in the Premier League, while Fulham have been beaten in each of their last three, so it has been a tough period for both.
Neither side is in any relegation danger at this stage, but this weekend's match presents the perfect opportunity to bounce back from their recent struggles.
Fulham recorded a 1-0 win in the reverse match at Craven Cottage earlier this season, and the London club have triumphed in three of their last four meetings.
Sunderland's last success over Fulham was a 1-0 victory in the Championship back in December 2017, while they have not beaten the Whites in the Premier League since January 2014.
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/sunderland/how-to-watch/how-to-watch-sunderland-vs-fulham-date-time-live-stream-and-tv-channel_592305.html
'Short again...' - Jeff Stelling delivers verdict on outcome of Sunderland clash vs Fulham
Sunderland face Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Jeff Stelling has backed Sunderland to beat Fulham when the two sides meet at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon.
Regis Le Bris' men are looking to return to winning ways in the top flight after recording back-to-back defeats at the hands of Arsenal and Liverpool in recent weeks. For their part, the Cottagers find themselves in the midst of a similarly disappointing patch, and are currently on a run of four losses in their last five outings.
The visitors did, however, beat the Black Cats in November's reverse fixture at Craven Cottage, with Raul Jimenez snatching all three points for Marco Silva's side with a decisive late strike in a 1-0 win.
But speaking to talkSPORT ahead of the weekend's Premier League fixtures, Stelling has predicted that Sunderland will get their revenge on Fulham by recording a 1-0 victory of their own in the North East.
What has Jeff Stelling said ahead of Sunderland vs Fulham?
The popular broadcaster said: "Sunday at two o'clock, Fulham travel to Sunderland. Sunderland are probably just one win away from guaranteeing Premier League football again at the Stadium of Light next season, and this could be that one win.
"They're not quite flying as they were earlier in the season, and Fulham, well, there's a lot to like about them, but they have lost their last three away games consecutively. I think Fulham will just come up short again. Sunderland 1-0 Fulham."
What else has been said about Sunderland vs Fulham?
Elsewhere, Fulham full-back Kenny Tete has admitted that Sunderland will represent a difficult challenge for his side, especially at the Stadium of Light, while also stating his belief that the Cottagers can "bounce back" from their recent dip in form.
When asked to assess the team's recent downturn in fortunes during an interview with Fulham's in-house media team, the Dutchman said: "A bit unlucky. I think, if you look at the game against Manchester United, we deserved more. Everton, a very good game first half, where you have to score more goals because if you don't do it, you know how it goes in the Premier League. It's ruthless, and the opposition will score, so a hard lesson for us. [Manchester] City was hard, yeah."
Tete then turned his attention to Sunday's match against Sunderland, adding: "Away, as well, so it's also a different story. At the Cottage it was already tight, it was not an easy game. Obviously we know that they are a solid team, they have good results, and at home they are a different team. It's a good moment for us to bounce back, so let's see."
https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/jeff-stelling-sunderland-fulham-5604745
"Serious money" – Technical director admits temptation over Fulham offer
PSV Eindhoven technical director Earnest Stewart has admitted that they seriously considered Fulham's January bid for Ricardo Pepi.
Voetbal Primeur cover comments from Stewart today following an interview on PSV's club channels. Fulham's interest in Pepi was, seemingly, chief among the topics discussed.
Fulham have been eager to strengthen their squad with Pepi since last summer. It seems they see him as the long-term replacement for Raúl Jiménez.
Sport Witness have covered their interest extensively, particularly in the January transfer window. Fulham were keen to sign him before the end of the January transfer window and willing to pay big to do so.
Fulham persistence
PSV were not keen and initially rejected their advances. But Fulham persisted, taking the drama until deadline day. Ultimately, PSV held off, preferring to do business in the summer.
That's okay with Fulham, with Sport Witness covering a report on the 13th that a deal is already being worked on.
In between that, Stewart has explained why they rejected the deal at all. He saw it as the Dutch side avoiding taking the bait from their Premier League counterparts.
Now he's admitted that they did look into Fulham's offer. But ultimately, it was a group decision to turn it down at the death.
Looked into Fulham bid
"They had been interested in Ricardo for a while, that dates back a while," he said.
"Especially from the summer window, when they were also interested in him. That continued. They came back in January.
"Fulham submitted a few offers to us. Ultimately, we had discussions with Ricardo but also indicated our position for this period. We wanted to keep him at the club.
"In all honesty, we did look into it, because the offers Fulham made were made with the understanding that they involved serious money.
"Then you have to discuss it together, and we did that beforehand. You shouldn't throw away your old boots before you have new ones, so to speak. To go through the rest of the season without a striker... That didn't seem like the wisest decision to us."
https://sportwitness.co.uk/serious-money-technical-director-admits-temptation-over-fulham-offer/