Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 24/12/24...

[WhiteJC]

Fofana, Lavia, James - Latest Chelsea injury news and return dates before Fulham clash
The very latest Chelsea injury news ahead of the Boxing Day clash at home to Fulham with Enzo Maresca's list of absentees set to decrease

Chelsea saw their eight-game winning streak come to an end on Sunday afternoon courtesy of a 0-0 draw away at Everton. The Blues had won their last five Premier League games and scored 16 goals before the Premier League clash on Merseyside which saw them draw a blank for only the third time this season.

Nicolas Jackson had three golden opportunities but was unable to add to his nine goals for the season so far. Christopher Nkunku, who came on for the final 15 minutes, was among those on the bench after recently missing some action with a minor injury with Joao Felix, who had been dealt a similar blow, remaining an unused substitute.

While that attacking duo were back available, Enzo Maresca had a number of key players absent for a variety of reasons. Injuries are currently keeping Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana and Reece James out of the squad, though the latter has recently returned to training.

Marc Cucurella was suspended for the clash after being sent off the previous weekend against Brentford while Mykhailo Mudryk is unavailable after failing a drugs test. With all of that being said, football.london has taken a look at all the unavailable Chelsea stars and their potential return dates.

Wesley Fofana

Injury: Hamstring.

Fofana has not featured for Chelsea since the 3-0 win over Aston Villa in early December. Initially, he looked set for a short absence but Maresca has since confirmed that is not the case

What Maresca has said: "Both [Fofana and Badiashile] are still out and will still be out for a long period."

Possible return date: Unknown.

Romeo Lavia

Injury: Hamstring.

Lavia has been plagued by injuries during his Chelsea career and has not been able to play since coming off at half time against Tottenham a few weeks ago.

What Maresca has said: "Romeo will probably struggle to play on Sunday. But we will see tomorrow."

Possible return date: Fulham (H) - Thursday, December 26.

Reece James

Injury: Hamstring.

James has taken a significant step towards returning from his latest injury but the Blues are unsurprisingly expected to take extreme caution when it comes to managing his comeback.

What Maresca has said: "He will start with us for part of the session. So slowly, slowly, he is moving forward. That doesn't mean he will be with us on Sunday or next Sunday. Tomorrow, part of the session will be with him managed then it's building the right condition for him.'

Possible return date: Late January.

Mykhailo Mudryk

Injury: N/A.

On Tuesday, December 17 both Chelsea and Mudryk put out a statement confirming there had been an "adverse finding in a routine urine test". The club have urged they are fully behind the player while Mudryk is currently working on appealing the failed drugs test.

What Maresca has said: "I think the situation is now a bit more clear in terms of we have a statement from the club and the club already said what we need to say. So there is not anything to add except that the club, the coaching staff and all the people that are inside the training ground we support and we trust Misha."

Possible return date: Unknown.

Benoit Badiashile

Injury: Unknown.

Benoit Badiashile picked up an injury in training earlier this month which looks set to keep him out for a while.

What Maresca has said: "Both [Fofana and Badiashile] are still out and will still be out for a long period."

Possible return date: Unknown.



https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/fofana-lavia-james-latest-chelsea-30643901

[WhiteJC]

Fulham send positive signals to sign player, hold talks – Agents working to secure January agreement
On Friday, various claims from the Brazilian media talked about Palmeiras' firm desire to sign Fulham's Andreas Pereira in the winter market.

On Saturday, Nosso Palestra reported Fulham would need €30m to sell the 28-year-old and that's a high figure for the Brazilian club.

Goal Brazil stated Palmeiras could offer Richard Ríos or Victor Reis as part payment, and both are of interest to Fulham.

A fresh report from Nosso Palestra says the Brazilian club are aware Periera's signing can only be carried out by including a player as part of the deal. Ríos or Reis are the two options that can be proposed to Marco Silva's side.

The report states the London club prefer the 24-year-old midfielder over 18-year-old Reis.

That's because the Colombia international's arrival can help them immediately replace the former Manchester United man in midfield. There's also a good possibility for Fulham to make a profit from his sale in the future.

Therefore, the Premier League side have 'signalled positively' to take Ríos plus money in exchange for Pereira. The talks between the clubs are in the initial stages and there's a need to discuss figures to reach an agreement.

The Fulham player's agent is at work to get this deal over the line in January. The report adds that representatives in Brazil and England are also working to help Pereira end up at Palmeiras.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-send-positive-signals-to-sign-player-hold-talks-agents-working-to-secure-january-agreement/

[WhiteJC]

Chelsea vs Fulham early injury news as 8 ruled out and 3 doubts for Boxing Day
All the latest injury news surrounding Chelsea and Fulham as they prepare to face off on Boxing Day.

Chelsea suffered a setback in their title bid on Sunday when they failed to find a way past a resolute Everton side that has kept five clean sheets in six games. The Blues then saw Liverpool pick up all three points at Tottenham, slipping four points behind having played a game more.

Meanwhile, Fulham were left disappointed by a goalless draw at home to a struggling Southampton side that has conceded goals at will this season. Attention now turns to Boxing Day and London derby between the Blues at the Cottagers. Here we round up all the early injury news surrounding both teams.

Kenny Tete - Out

Tete is out with a lower leg injury, with Marco Silva confirming: "Some not-good news about Kenny. The impact to his shin was clear for anyone watching the game. A big knock and it has impacted his knee. It doesn't need surgery, but he is going to be out for at least 8-10 weeks."

Reiss Nelson - Out

Nelson is looking at a February return from his thigh injury. Silva said: "Difficult to say when he's going to be back. Probably around ten weeks, he's going to be out for sure."

Harrison Reed - Out

Reed is out with a knee injury and is likely to return early in the new year. Silva said in late November: "Yesterday, he got an injury in his knee, and he'll need surgery there. He should be out for 5-6 weeks."

Emile Smith Rowe - Doubt

Smith Rowe is expected to return from what has been described as a 'small dead leg'.

Sander Berge - Doubt

The Norwegian is struggling with an ankle injury and may struggle to make it back for this one.

Reece James - Out

James is back in training but there is no way Chelsea are risking him before the new year. Maresca said last week: "He will start with us for part of the session. So slowly, slowly, he is moving forward. That doesn't mean he will be with us on Sunday or next Sunday. Tomorrow, part of the session will be with him managed then it's building the right condition for him."

Wesley Fofana - Out

Fofana has a thigh injury, and he will be out for a 'long' period, according to Maresca.

Benoit Badiashile - Out

The same applies to Badiashile.

Romeo Lavia - Doubt

Maresca admitted that Lavia would 'struggle' to make it back against Everton, and the midfielder did indeed fail to make it back in time. But Lavia could well return on Boxing Day, even if he winds up starting on the bench.

Mykhailo Mudryk - Out (Suspended)

Mudryk is currently provisionally suspended over alleged use of perofmance-enhancing drugs.

Kellyman remains out with his hamstring injury, but he should be looking to return to full fitness early in the new year.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/chelsea/chelsea-fulham-injury-news-boxing-4920405

[WhiteJC]

Fulham now offered intriguing swap deal to sell "outstanding" £50k-p/w star
As the January transfer window approaches, Fulham are facing a battle to keep hold of one of their key players, but they have now been offered an interesting proposition which could improve the squad in the long term.

Fulham transfer news
After a solid start to the Premier League season, Marco Silva's Fulham appear to be running out of steam. They've won just one of their last six games in the top flight, losing once and drawing the other four. Most recently, they were held to a goalless draw with the league's bottom club, Southampton, which Silva described as a "missed opportunity".

 "We should have won the game, definitely. We tried everything from the start. It is impossible to finish a game with more attacking players in our team," said the Portuguese boss after the game.

"Our attacking line was never really a threat for them. We had two or three clear chances, but we should have created more. We have to be more incisive and more clinical."

One positive, however, did come in the form of a debut for 17 year-old midfielder Josh King, who started the game but was replaced by Adama Traore midway through the second half. Now, the Londoners have been offered the chance to add to their upcoming crop of young talent.

Andreas Pereira transfer update
Things could be set to get tougher for Fulham after the New Year as they now face a challenge to keep hold of midfielder Andreas Pereira. Earlier this month, it was reported that Brazilian club Palmeiras had made their first approach to sign Pereira.

The Cottagers consider the former Manchester United star, who currently earns £50,000 per-week at Craven Cottage, to be "untouchable" and will likely shut down Palmeira's attempt to sign him before it progresses. Silva has previously described Pereira as "outstanding" and a "top professional".

But now, Nosso Palestra claims that Palmeiras have reached an initial agreement with Pereira over a move to Allianz Parque, leaving only Fulham to convince. The publication claims that Fulham want around £25 million, and to approach that value, Palmeiras are open to including players in the deal, including one of either Vitor Reis or Richard Rios.

The club's management view both players as easily replaceable: Reis in the center-back role and Rios potentially being succeeded by Pereira himself.

Reis in particular looks an exciting talent who could certainly ease the blow of losing Pereira - the 18 year-old defender has been eyed by several top clubs and has been hailed for his leadership and "commanding, confident presence that's rare in such a young defender".

Both Reis and Rios have also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain in recent months. Back in October, ESPN Brazil reported that PSG were eyeing the defender, while Antena 2 Deportes reported in August that the Ligue 1 giants had made a £17 million offer for Colombia international Rios.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-january-transfer-news-offered-vitor-reis-andreas-pereira-swap-deal/

[WhiteJC]

Club In For Fulham Star With Bid, Player 'Liked The Project' Presented
Brazilian outfit Palmeiras have made a €20m offer for Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira and are prepared to go higher.

The 28-year-old has been on the books at Fulham since 2022 and has become an important player for the Cottagers, featuring almost 100 times for them.
 
Even though he is naturally an attacking midfielder, the Brazilian has mostly played deeper this season to accommodate summer signing Emile Smith Rowe in the number 10 position.

With the January transfer window coming ever so close, he has been linked with a move back to his homeland.

According to Brazilian journalist Vene Casagrande, the Cottagers have received a €20m offer for the Brazilian midfielder from Palmeiras.

The Brazilian Serie A side however are ready to offer €2m more for the Fulham star if the English club reject their opening bid.

The clubs are currently talking over a potential deal and it has been suggested that Pereira 'liked the project' being put forward, which has encouraged Palmeiras to try for him.

Now it remains to be seen if the former Manchester United man will move to Brazil next month to start a new chapter



https://insidefutbol.com/2024/12/23/club-in-for-fulham-star-with-bid-player-liked-the-project-presented/668562/

[WhiteJC]

This Week at Fulham
'Twas the week of Christmas, and all through the club

Not a staff member was stirring, not even a badger cub.

With the stockings hung high and matches to play

Marco Silva, the genius, arrived in his sleigh.

Chelsea on Boxing Day and Bournemouth soon

The players work hard on these festive afternoons.

So as the Christmas week starts, what events lie ahead?

In This Week at Fulham, here's what's to be said:

Tuesday
Marco Silva will address the media ahead of our away fixture against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

 

Wednesday
Merry Christmas to all those who celebrate from Fulham Football Club!

 

Thursday
We make the short trip to Stamford Bridge, taking on Chelsea in the SW6 derby.

For those without tickets to the game, The Riverside will be open for cheap drink deals, live music and a free screening of the Chelsea v Fulham game.

 

Friday
No rest for Marco and the team as they prepare for Bournemouth, with his second press conference of the week.

 

Sunday
Fulham will host Bournemouth at Craven Cottage for their last game of 2024.

 

Thank you for another wonderful year at the club, we'll see you in 2025!




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/december/23/this-week-at-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Jamie Carragher names 'outstanding' star who'll be 'top of Liverpool list' for £50m signing
Jamie Carragher has praised Antonee Robinson and predicted Liverpool to swoop for the Fulham star in 2025.

Robinson joined Fulham in August 2020 when the Cottagers paid Wigan Athletic £2million for his signature. The left-back's influence on Fulham has gradually increased since then and he is now a key player for manager Marco Silva.

Robinson is one of the best attacking full-backs in the Premier League and has notched six assists in 17 matches for Fulham so far this season.

Robinson has been named as a potential replacement for Andy Robertson at Liverpool, with the Scot seemingly on the decline.

Prior to Fulham's goalless draw with Southampton on Sunday, former Liverpool star Carragher was asked about Robinson after he shone during the Cottagers' 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier this month.

"He was outstanding. He was the best player on the pitch," the pundit said on Sky Sports.

"When you are going to Anfield and you are playing against Mo Salah – possibly the best player in the Premier League this season – and you come out of it with a Man of the Match award, that shows you how highly he is thought of.

"Yes, I think Liverpool probably will be shopping for a left-back in January and I'm sure he will be top of the list."

It emerged in November that Liverpool have set their sights on Robinson as they look to future-proof the left-back position. Kostas Tsimikas is also in Arne Slot's squad but he is not considered to be at the level required.

Liverpool will need to pay £40-50million (up to €60.2m / $62.6m) to sign the USMNT ace. There could be a transfer battle with Manchester United for him in either of the 2025 transfer windows as Ruben Amorim is also on the hunt for a new left-back/left wing-back.

Liverpool will be disappointed if they miss out on Robinson, though there are other players on their radar. The Reds are monitoring Milos Kerkez too, having been hugely impressed by his performances at Bournemouth.

Liverpool transfers: Brighton raid; exit warning
Meanwhile, speculation that Liverpool are preparing to move for Brighton ace Joao Pedro is ramping up.

The latest reports state that Liverpool have laid the 'groundwork' over a possible deal for the Brazilian attacker.

Liverpool scouts love Pedro's versatility as he can operate as a No 10 or at centre-forward. Pedro's price tag has doubled to £60m during his time at Brighton, however.

One deal Liverpool have already struck is to bring in goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia at the end of the season.

But Anfield great John Aldridge has questioned the decision, claiming that Caoimhin Kelleher is 'beter than' Mamardashvili.

Aldridge has urged Liverpool to keep Kelleher in January to aid their title charge, though he does expect the Irishman to depart in summer 2025.



https://www.teamtalk.com/liverpool/jamie-carragher-outstanding-star-top-list-50-million-signing

[WhiteJC]

Chelsea 'willing' to pay £49m to land Serie A star as Liverpool 'send message'
All the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Chelsea as they prepare to take on Fulham on Boxing Day.

Chelsea are now preparing for a Boxing Day clash with rivals Fulham after suffering a setback on Sunday. The Blues were left frustrated by Everton, drawing 0-0 and becoming the latest to be left frustrated by the resolute Toffees.

The Cottagers will provide another stiff test, with Marco Silva's side having been a tough nut to crack for the majority of clubs so far this season. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Stamford Bridge.

Fofana links
Chelsea are said to be interested in a deal for AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana. According to Fichajes, the Blues are willing to spend £49million to pull off a deal for Fofana, who is under a long-term contract at San Siro.

Fofana only arrived at Milan last summer, when he joined from AS Monaco. The 25-year-old has made 15 league appearances since, and he is a 25-time France international. Chelsea have spent plenty on their midfield in the last couple of years, and the fee would see Milan triple what they paid for Fofana when they signed him on the cheap last summer.

Carragher title claim
Jamie Carragher believes Chelsea have been sent a clear message by leaders Liverpool after their 6-3 away win over Tottenham. "It does [send a message to the other title hopefuls]," Carragher told Sky Sports. "I felt that coming today.

"It felt like a really big game and I go back to the last time Liverpool won the league. They went to Leicester around this time of year, won 4-0 and it felt really significant. I do think there will be a frustration when they get into the dressing room that the score is not 6-1 or 7-1, and it's 6-3. That might actually be a good thing – 'we've got a good result, we're top of the table but we can't let that happen again'. At one stage we're thinking if Tottenham score and it goes 5-4, but I thought Liverpool were outstanding. If you're watching that and you're Chelsea or Arsenal, you're thinking 'oh, these are gonna take some stopping'."



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/chelsea/chelsea-willing-serie-midfielder-liverpool-4920974