Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 15/10/25...

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"Hope it's not serious" – Manager says Fulham player in pain and can't train
Fulham's Antonee Robinson is yet to start in the Premier League this season and has been limited to three substitute appearances.

The left-back underwent knee surgery in May and was sidelined until August. This forced him to miss pre-season with Fulham and the start of the season.

Robinson regained full fitness at the end of August and has played four matches for Fulham so far. He was not in the United States squad for September's international break while Mauricio Pochettino called him up for October's fixtures.

Last week, the 28-year-old didn't feature in a friendly draw against Ecuador.

The national team face Australia in another friendly later today [Wednesday UK time]. The manager says the Fulham player will miss this clash due to an injury and AS have relayed his comments.

Pochettino adds the fullback hasn't been training as he's struggling with a foot injury. The Argentine remains hopeful Robinson's setback isn't serious.

"Antonee has a minor problem with his leg, a bit of pain. We're managing it as best we can, but he still can't participate in training. And he's certainly out of the game tomorrow. I hope it's not serious and that he can return to his club to train and compete normally," he said.

The Premier League club are likely to assess his situation upon his return to London. They host Arsenal in the league at the weekend. Marco Silva will be hoping Robinson is fit in time for Saturday's clash.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-player-in-bit-of-pain-still-cant-train-due-to-injury/

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How to watch Fulham v Arsenal on TV
The international break is over and attention now turns to our trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham in the Premier League.

We sit in first place after seven games played, and our trip to west London will kick off at 5.30pm UK time. If you're not heading to Craven Cottage, then supporters around the world can tune into our matchday show Live From N5 on Arsenal.com and the official app for all the best pre-match build-up, as well as live commentary of the game.

This match will be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK.




https://www.arsenal.com/news/how-watch-fulham-v-arsenal-tv

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Fulham get Antonee Robinson injury update ahead of Arsenal clash: 'Hope it's not serious'
Left-back is struggling with 'minor' issue ahead of Premier League return

US head coach Mauricio Pochettino has said he hopes Antonee Robinson's knee injury is not serious, after the Fulham left-back was ruled out of their friendly against Australia.

Robinson has been working his way back to full fitness following minor knee surgery in May and has only played a combined 61 minutes of Premier League football this season.

The 28-year-old was called up to the US national team for the first time in 2025 ahead of their October internationals, but was not selected in the matchday squad for the 1-1 draw with Ecuador.

Robinson has been unable to train as a result of pain in his knee and Pochettino said: "Antonee has a minor problem with his leg, a bit of pain.

"We're managing it as best we can, but he still can't participate in training. And he's certainly out of the game. I hope it's not serious and that he can return to his club to train and compete normally."

Robinson is now a doubt for Fulham's game at home to Arsenal on Saturday, with Marco Silva already sweating over the fitness of several first-team players.

Raul Jimenez missed international duty with Mexico due to a hip injury, but it is hoped he will be available against Arsenal.

Rodrigo Muniz (hamstring) and Kenny Tete (knee) are longer-term absentees, with Silva admitting it was unlikely the pair would be ready to return to action immediately after the international break.

Ryan Sessegnon and Calvin Bassey have deputised ably in Robinson's absence this season, but Silva will be keen to get the former Wigan defender back to full fitness.

Robinson has been an integral player for Fulham since their promotion to the Premier League in 2022, with no top-flight defender contributing more assists last season.

Fulham face Arsenal looking to bounce back from successive defeats before the international break.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-robinson-injury-latest-arsenal-b1252836.html

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Match official who last left Mikel Arteta furious appointed for Fulham v Arsenal clash
The October international break is nearing the end, which means Premier League football is right around the corner again.

Arsenal resume action top of the table, with Mikel Arteta guiding his side through a tricky start to the season.

The Gunners now need to build on that promising opening by racking up even more wins and moving clear of their rivals.

While some of their title rivals are out of the way, it won't be an easy ride for the North London side in the upcoming weeks.

It all starts with a match against London rivals Fulham, who have caused problems for them in the past.

Arsenal may need some luck on their side, though the Premier League match official announcement may only go on to cause more concern, following an error in a previous match.

Premier League announce Anthony Taylor as referee for Fulham vs Arsenal
Arsenal are back in action against Fulham in a clash that will be important to keeping their early-season form going.

Craven Cottage hasn't always been a happy hunting ground, with the last two Premier League meetings there ending with just one point for the Gunners.

As Mikel Arteta looks to switch that form around, there may be some key decisions in the game that could go for or against that.

Ahead of the tie, the Premier League have announced that Anthony Taylor will be the referee in charge of the game.

The referee has taken charge of Arsenal games the third-most out of any club in the Premier League, with plenty of cards and penalties.

Fulham have featured a lot less, but their record is poorer under the referee.

There was one of those appearances in an Arsenal game that left Arteta furious last season, which he won't hope for a repeat of.

Anthony Taylor made Mikel Arteta fume with a mistake in Arsenal's clash against Manchester United
Anthony Taylor has taken charge of some big Arsenal clashes in recent history, which include a match between them and their rivals, Manchester United.

That match brought about some controversy last season, as the referee didn't measure out the right distance for a United free-kick.

The Arsenal wall was measured out to be 11.2 yards away, rather than the regulation ten yards.

Bruno Fernandes then went on to score the free-kick, leading to some frustrated reactions around the Gunners.

Speaking after the game, Arteta said: "He's [Bruno Fernandes] been smart and he took advantage, that is football.

"He's been smarter than the ref. That's OK, they allowed him to do it."

It was a little dig from Arteta at the match official, who will now be back in charge of another Arsenal fixture.



https://tbrfootball.com/match-official-who-last-left-mikel-arteta-furious-appointed-for-fulham-v-arsenal-clash/

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Why are some Fulham fans still not happy?
Former FFC communications manager Ken Myers ponders the circumstances around the club in the modern game.

Why are some Fulham fans still not happy?

I'm guessing that those fans have not come through the bad times, as we did. But as we didn't know any better we were happy in those days.

Now we are spoilt for choice with the quality of those playing for us. We have just added three more quality players costing millions of pounds, but that has to be paid for somehow.

Time and again I get emails asking what do I think of the very high ticket price, and I answer something like, "if you want to see the best, you have to pay the price".

But the fans quite rightly say, is it right that you have to pay top prices, but that still the toilets are still disgraceful at the Hammersmith End.

With help of Ken Coton, Alan Smith and Les Strong I have published a well received book, Tales From The Cottage, where I remember lots of former Fulham personalities from the late eighties and nineties.

In those times it wasn't so much Manchester City, more like York City. I also remember when we were called Friendly Fulham as we had around 5,000 at home and we all knew each other! I don't think that happens now.

Forgive me if it sounds like I'm an old man just moaning; that is far from the truth. When the team won the Championship it was a joy to watch the football we played. But when you step up to the top, the Premier League takes no prisoners, so each week every team has to fight to survive.

The other day I overheard a supporter say he misses the old days. I don't, but I miss the friendship we had as fans meeting and talking to the players after the game.

If you want to read more about the club in those years gone by, you can pick up Tales From The Cottage from Ashwater Press.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/why-are-some-fulham-fans-still-not

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Harry Wilson stance emerges as Leeds chase Fulham hero amid contract talks
TEAMtalk transfer expert Dean Jones has provided an update on Harry Wilson as Leeds United continue to be linked with the Fulham ace amid his uncertain contract situation.

Wilson was heavily linked with Leeds during the summer transfer window, with Daniel Farke's side sending Fulham two offers for him. Leeds' opening bid was accepted before Fulham surprisingly moved the goalposts.

Fulham wanted to renegotiate the terms of Wilson's prospective exit on deadline day, and this saw Leeds return with an improved offer.

There was an initial agreement between the two clubs which resulted in a deal sheet, only for Fulham to pull the plug at the last minute.

According to Ben Jacobs, Leeds did everything possible to try and sign the winger but were ultimately left disappointed.

Leeds remain big fans of Wilson though and are monitoring his situation at Craven Cottage with keen interest.

His contract expires in June, and Leeds will swoop in if it emerges that he is ready to part ways with Fulham.

But Jones expects Wilson to extend his spell under Marco Silva and end rumours of a transfer to Leeds for good.

When asked if Silva is starting the 28-year-old regularly to try and convince him on a new Fulham deal, Jones replied: "Silva is never going to be pushing Wilson out the door because he's been so trustworthy in terms of delivering moments when Fulham need them. From a club perspective they obviously want him tied up and that would suit the manager too.

"Everything I hear suggests the player is very keen to get a new agreement in place so it really now just comes down to finding suitable terms.

"Wilson is a hero to Fulham fans because of the goals he has scored, particularly against Brentford, and so there is also a sense of identity and connectivity involved here. But there is also a limit as to how far they can go with new terms.

"Fulham signed new attackers in the summer but Wilson still has a role to play and Leeds have to wait on these latest talks."

Sky Sports insisted last week that Leeds fans 'keep an eye' on Wilson as a potential target for January.

But they will be forced to identify alternative targets if the Welshman pens a new contract at Fulham.

Marco Silva '100% sure' Harry Wilson will stay
On September 24, Silva spoke firmly about his desire to keep Wilson.

"He is not a player who is with me just one month, two months, or two years. This is his fifth year with us. He was my first signing when I joined the football club, and I know him very well," the manager said.

"For me, it was never a problem. I know, really, how much he wants to stay in the football club. Of course, conversations, they are there, the conversations between us and his representatives.

"Let's see what is going to happen. But I know, really, the aim of him is to stay in the football club and if we can get an agreement, his future is going to be with us, [I'm] 100 per cent sure."

Wilson's record for Fulham stands at 26 goals and 38 assists in 155 appearances, having originally joined the club from Liverpool in July 2021.

Wilson, who can play as either a right winger or central attacking midfielder, has scored once in nine games so far this term.

After netting a fantastic winner against Brentford last season, Wilson continued his fine form against the Bees by setting Fulham on their way to a 3-1 home win last month.



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/leeds-united-harry-wilson-stance-fulham-contract-talks-transfer-insider

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Premier League confirm controversial referee and VAR appointments for Fulham vs Arsenal clash
Arsenal return to action after October's international break this weekend with a trip to Fulham and the Premier League have now confirmed the officials appointed.

The Premier League have announced which officials will take charge of games this weekend with two, potentially, controversial decisions made for Arsenal's clash against Fulham. As they play on Saturday evening, the Gunners will be aiming to open up a four-point gap at the top before Liverpool face Manchester United the following day.

Roughly 10 days ago, the Gunners beat West Ham United to move above Liverpool and they have remained there over October's international break after Arne Slot's side were beaten by Chelsea.

This weekend, Arsenal play first but, arguably, have the harder fixture as they travel to Craven Cottage while the champions are at home to struggling Man Utd. They have lost three consecutive games and therefore desperately need a win.

Big decisions could ultimately decide the outcome of their upcoming clash with referee Michael Oliver having the whistle, while Darren England is on VAR.

Viktor Gyokeres' training behaviour brought up as Arsenal star makes thoughts clear

Gabriel Martinelli statement made as Mikel Arteta could hatch new Arsenal plan for Fulham

The former has been right at the centre of numerous controversies involving Arsenal - with Myles Lewis-Skelly's wrongfully dismissed in last season's win over Wolves. The Premier League have also confirmed match officials for other games with Arsenal also handed two controversial appointments.

Refereeing their London derby against Fulham will be Anthony Taylor, while Stuart Attwell has been selected for VAR. Assisting the latter will be Craig Taylor - with Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn and Sam Barrott on location to help Taylor.



https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/premier-league-confirm-controversial-referee-32675242

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Osimhen crowned King in Uyo, Fulham star shines: Player ratings from Super Eagles 4-0 win over Benin Republic
Victor Osimhen was the hero for Eric Chelle's Super Eagles as Nigeria secured all three points against the Cheetahs of the Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Soccernet.ng reports.

The three-time AFCON Champions knew that nothing but victory on home soil would be enough to keep their dreams of playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive.

Osimhen scored Nigeria's first of the night three minutes into the game, feeding off a brilliant pass from Fulham's Samuel Chukwueze.

The duo combined again for the second goal of the game in the 37th minute before completing his hat-trick in the second half, heading home from Moses Simon's free kick.

Soccernet.ng rates the performance of the Nigerian players as they secured a 3-0 win over Benin in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

How the Super Eagles fared
1. Christian Nwabali 6.5/10: The Chippa United goalkeeper regained his usual calm demeanour today. He made a few saves to deny Benin and keep Nigeria's positive goal difference intact.

He was also impactful in the air, coming out to claim corner kicks, a resolution of the errors he made against Lesotho.

2. Benjamin Frederick 6.8/10: The FCV Dender defender, despite playing out of position, is making the Nigerian fans run out of words to describe to maturity with which he plays whenever he's on the pitch.

While he wasn't spectacular in attack, he was defensively solid, made decent attacking runs, and dealt with Benin's vertical balls very well.

3. Calvin Bassey 6.9/10: The Fulham defender commanded the backline in Ekong's absence, in speech and in act.

His physicality came in handy as he continually put his body on the line to deal with the duels from the Benin attackers.

4. Semi Ajayi 6.6/10: The Hull City defender was calm in possession, dealt with the aerial threats and helped in the build-up play.

He got a yellow card after his goal attempt was flagged as a foul by the referee.

5. Zaidu Sanusi 6.3/10: The FC Porto defender didn't have much to worry about defensively, especially in the first half, but his involvement in attack was decent.

Given his lack of minutes at the club level, he cramped up in the 74th minute and made way for Bruno Onyemaechi.

6. Wilfred Ndidi 6.6/10: The Besiktas midfielder started the game with a few heavy touches, but settled in as time went on.

He captained the team in Ekong's absence and kept things tight in the middle of the park as the game went on.

7. Alex Iwobi 6.8/10: The Fulham midfielder probed the Benin defence with key passes all through the game. He had a few chances to find the back of the net, but his attempts were blocked.

He made way for Terem Moffi with two minutes left on the clock.

8. Moses Simon 6.9/10: The FC Paris winger put on his creative boots at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium today. He set up Victor Osimhen's third goal while playing a huge role in the game's fourth goal by Frank Onyeka.

He came close to finding the back of the net himself, but his shot was palmed away by Marcel Danjinou.

7. Samuel Chukwueze 7.2/10: The Fulham winger bagged an assist against AFC Bournemouth before travelling down to play for the Super Eagles for the October International break.

He was at his creative best in the first half, creating the two assists for Victor Osimhen's two first-half goals.

An injury saw him make way at half-time for Olakunle Olusegun.

10. Akor Adams 6.6/10: The Sevilla forward put in the dirty work in attack, filling up the spaces in the centre of the park to give Osimhen the freedom needed to thrive and the decision paid off.

11. Victor Osimhen 9/10: The Galatasaray man played with intent, knowing everything Nigeria needed to do to make the play-offs spot, and stamped his mark on the game inside just three minutes.

Away from the goals, he led with his performance and scored a hat-trick, making it clear he wants to make a debut entry into the FIFA World Cup stage.

Substitutes
Olusegun Olakunle 5.9/10: The 23-year-old replaced Samuel Chukwueze at the start of the second half, but didn't really get involved. He had a chance to score later on, but he scuffed his shot.

Bruno Onyemaechi 6/10: The Olympiakos full-back came on to replace Zaidu Sanusi, and he kept things tight at the back as Eric Chelle's side held on for a clean sheet.

Frank Onyeka 7/10: The Brentford midfielder replaced Akor Adams in the 74th minute, and with Ndidi already sitting deep, took it upon himself to infuse his burst of energy into the attack.

His late run saw him volley his second goal in Nigerian colours into the back of the net in the 91st minute to seal a 4-0 win.

Tolu Arokodare 6.7/10: The Wolverhampton Wanderers forward changed the dynamic of the Super Eagles' attack when he replaced Victor Osimhen in the 81st minute. The team resorted to long balls, and he kept things under close control as one of those situations led to Frank Onyeka's goal.

Terem Moffi came on in the 87th minute to replace Alex Iwobi. He wasn't involved in any meaningful action.



https://soccernet.ng/2025/10/osimhen-super-eagles-benin-republic.html