Friday Fulham Stuff - 10/09/21...

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Huddersfield Town duo receive Championship award nominations after positive start to season

Terriers head boss Carlos Corberan is up for the manager of the month award while Sorba Thomas has been recognised with a nomination for the player of the month

Winger Sorba Thomas and head coach Carlos Corberan have been nominated for Championship player and manager of the month for August in recognition of the Terriers' fine start to the season.

Huddersfield Town have taken ten points from their opening five games of the season, with Thomas playing an especially instrumental in Corberan's side.

Thomas leads the way in the entire division for both assists (four) and key passes (21), which are defined as passes that result in shooting chances for teammates that do not find the back of the net.

His performance against Reading is one of the finest individual efforts by a Town player this century as he made goals for Lewis O'Brien and Matty Pearson before scoring his first goal for the club at the end of a magnificent solo run.

QPR's Rob Dickie, Cardiff's Aden Flint and Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic make up the rest of the player nominations.

Corberan's season did not start well at first as a depleted side drew 1-1 at Derby and lost 1-5 at home to Fulham, but victories in the following three games – including that highly-impressive 4-0 win over Reading – have seen his side rise to fourth in the table.

West Brom's Valerian Ismael, Fulham's Marco Silva and QPR's Mark Warburton are also nominated.

The winners of the two awards will be announced on Friday morning, and the EFL's press release for the award nominations reads as follows.

Championship player of the month nominations
Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield Town) – winger: "Nine months ago, Thomas was still playing non-league football. Four assists and a goal in August are proof that his wing play, determination and ability to pick a pass have made him an integral member of the Huddersfield side."

Rob Dickie (Queens Park Rangers) – central defender: "Whether striding forward to score from 25 yards against Millwall, heading in at Hull or reading the play impeccably to slide in for an astonishing goal-line clearance to preserve QPR's lead at the KC Stadium, Dickie did it all in August.

Aden Flint (Cardiff City) – central defender: "For a player whose primary role is to defend, Flint made a huge impact at the other end of the pitch with four goals - all headers - in five games. They came in braces, against Peterborough and Millwall, to underline Flint's aerial prowess.

Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham) – striker: "Look at the first goal in Fulham's four wins in August and the Serb's importance to his side beyond his physical presence stands out. Three of his four goals and one of his two assists gave the Cottagers the lead and control of their matches."

The judging panel for the Sky Bet Player of the Month is made up of Sky Sports' EFL expert Don Goodman, EFL Communications Director Mark Rowan, and Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies.

Championship manager of the month nominations
Carlos Corberan (Huddersfield Town): "Rather than changing his side's style after a difficult first season, Corberan placed the emphasis on recruiting good characters he could depend on to fight for each other. The approach brought a 10-point haul from five games."

Valerien Ismael (West Bromwich Albion): "Has quickly instilled the powerful pressing game he favours at the Hawthorns with the Baggies overwhelming their opponents both in and out of possession. A haul of 13 points from five games hints at a strong promotion challenge."



https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/huddersfield-town-duo-receive-championship-21518550

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Robinson scores for United States

Fulham full back Antonee Robinson scored his first international goal to spark a comeback as the United States stormed to a 4-1 win in Honduras overnight that revived their World Cup qualifying bid.

Gregg Berhalter's side, who had drawn against El Salvador and Canada without scoring a goal in a disappointing start to their campaign, were a goal down to the Catrachos after Brayan Maya put the hosts in front in a first half that Honduras completely dominated. Robinson, introduced as a half time substitute as the United States changed their formation, took just three minutes to get off the mark in internationals – sweetly volleying home from seven yards to level matters after Sebastian Lletget's cross was flicked back by Ricardo Pepi.

Robinson celebrated with the same backflip that followed his first Fulham goal at Birmingham in the League Cup last month. The Americans then eased to an emphatic win with teenager Pepi converting DeAndre Yedlin's cross to put them in front before the 18 year-old turned provider for Brenden Aaronson's second international goal. Lletget completed the scoring by poking home from close range in the third minute of stoppage time after Pepi had seen a shot saved.

Tim Ream was an unused substitute as the USA won an away World Cup qualifier after going a goal down for only the second time in 34 attempts.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/09/robinson-scores-for-united-states/

[WhiteJC]

Silva and Mitrovic nominated for Championship awards

Marco Silva and Aleksandar Mitrovic have both been nominated for Championship awards after Fulham's fine start to the new season.

The Whites are unbeaten and sit top of the table after five matches, having recovered from the disappointing of an opening weekend draw with Middlesbrough to win all of their remaining fixtures. Silva's impressive start to life in the Craven Cottage dugout sees the Portuguese head coach nominated for the August manager of the month award alongside West Brom's Valerian Ismael, Huddersfield boss Carlos Corberan and the QPR head coach Mark Warburton.

The EFL's press release salutes Silva's work as follows:

"The transition from Scott Parker to Silva has been remarkably smooth, especially when you factor in relegation and a changed squad. Five unbeaten games brought 13 goals and 13 points as Silva's side assumed the Championship lead."

Mitrovic, who has scored four goals and laid on two more in five games this season, recently signed a new five-year contract and has been in sensational form as Fulham roared to the Championship summit. The Serbian striker is joined on the shortlist for player of the month by Huddersfield winger Sorba Thomas, QPR's Rob Dickie, Cardiff centre back Aden Flint.

The EFL statement emphasis Mitrovic's important to Fulham by saying:

"Look at the first goal in Fulham's four wins in August and the Serb's importance to his side beyond his physical presence stands out. Three of his four goals and one of his two assists gave the Cottagers the lead and control of their matches."

The award winners will be announced tomorrow. Sky Sports summariser Don Goodman is joined on the judging panel by EFL communications director Mark Rowan and Sky Bet's Ivor Davies.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/09/silva-and-mitrovic-nominated-for-championship-awards/

[WhiteJC]

Real Madrid rival Premier League clubs for potential transfer of England wonderkid

Real Madrid are reportedly among the clubs interested in a potential transfer deal for Fulham and England wonderkid Fabio Carvalho.

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder looks an outstanding prospect after impressing at Craven Cottage, and it seems he could soon earn himself a big move away.

Real Madrid are keen on Carvalho, as well as a number of top ten clubs in the Premier League, according to a report from the Daily Mail.

It remains to be seen where Carvalho might end up next, but Fulham will surely be eager to keep hold of the youngster for as long as possible as they try to get back into the Premier League.

Carvalho was born in Portugal, but has represented England at youth level, so could be one to watch for the national team in the near future.

Real Madrid tend to go after big-name 'Galactico' signings, but they could do well to change their policy here and sign a big prospect for the future instead.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2021/09/09/fabio-carvalho-real-madrid-transfer/

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Nominations For Marco & Mitro

Marco Silva and Aleksandar Mitrović have been nominated for Manager and Player of the Month, respectively.

Silva has seamlessly settled into life in SW6, leading Fulham to 13 points from a possible 15 in the Sky Bet Championship, as well as securing safe passage in the Carabao Cup this August.

Every Whites supporter is relishing Mitrović playing with a smile on his face, and it's no wonder he's happy, with four goals and two assists to his name in his five appearances to date this season.

Nobody has scored more, or had more goal involvements, than Mitrović.

The winners of the awards will be announced on Friday morning.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/september/Nominations-For-Marco-Mitro/

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Internationals: Jedi Off The Mark

Antonee Robinson's first international goal set the wheels in motion for the United States to come from behind to defeat Honduras on Wednesday.

The USMNT found themselves trailing at the interval in San Pedro Sula, but Robinson was rewarded for a trademark burst forward when a loose ball dropped his way – the left-back sending a calm right footed volley between goalkeeper and defenders to precisely find the inside of the far post.

That set the tone for the second period as the States hit three more goals to secure their first World Cup qualifying win in style and move up to third in the standings.

In the European qualifying section, it was a frustrating evening all round for Harry Wilson and Wales.

Not only did they come up against a resolute Estonia side in Cardiff, with visiting goalkeeper – Arsenal's Karl Hein – in inspired form, but Wilson had to be replaced after just 36 minutes due to a head injury.

Estonia actually had the better chance in the opening half when former Fulham man Mattias Kait hit the woodwork, but on the balance of play the Welsh will see the goalless draw as two points dropped.

They sit third in Group E, but have games in hand on the two sides above them.

Wales boss Rob Page gave the following update on Wilson at full-time: "He's okay. Protocols are in place for a head injury, he was fully aware of that.

"He didn't feel right and he had to come off. It was blurred vision, I think. He's been assessed and things will be sorted out for him before he goes back to his club.

"The medical team made him fully aware, he wasn't comfortable and he had to come off."




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/september/Internationals-Jedi-Off-The-Mark/

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Blackpool's CJ Hamilton to undergo surgery

Blackpool's CJ Hamilton is set to undergo surgery, as per the club's official website.

Hamilton, 26, requires surgery to remove a screw from his foot. The midfielder broke his metatarsal in March this year and now faces a significant period of time on the sidelines.

Blackpool reported the news on their official club website, going on to mention how Hamilton has been left out of the Seasiders' initial 25-man squad list submitted to the EFL, despite having featured four times in the Championship so far this term.

Another absentee for Neil Critchley's side is striker Gary Madine.

The 31-year-old is yet to make his first appearance of this season having undergone surgery on a hamstring injury over the summer.

Madine, formerly of the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Bolton, Cardiff City and Sheffield United scored four goals in 24 League One appearances for Blackpool last season.

Blackpool have undoubtedly struggled since their promotion from League One last season.

After the opening five games of the season they sit in 22nd-place of the Championship table having claimed just two points, scoring four goals and conceding eight.

They've had a tough run of games to open their season though – Blackpool have faced all of Bristol City, Cardiff City, Coventry City, Bournemouth and Millwall.

Things don't seem to be getting any easier either – next up they face table-toppers Fulham this weekend before facing Huddersfield Town who've enjoyed a fine start to the season, before a trip to Middlesbrough.

Critchley will be hoping that the likes of Hamilton and Madine can make a quick recovery as to give him as much depth as possible, with a long old Championships season ahead for the Seasiders.



https://the72.co.uk/249935/blackpools-cj-hamilton-to-undergo-surgery/

[WhiteJC]

Real Madrid join race for Leeds linked Fabio Carvalho

Leeds United have been heavily linked with a move for Fulham sensation Fabio Carvalho this summer.

The Daily Mail initially reported that with contract talks stalling, the Whites and West Ham were looking to take advantage.

Nothing progressed during the last window, and now it appears that a spanner has been thrown into the works for all clubs, including Fulham.

The same outlet has now reported that Real Madrid are keeping close tabs on the Portuguese-born talent.

Fulham are now in strong dangers of losing a player described as one of the brightest talents in the country with interest growing.

There is huge attention on the 18-year-old, who continues to shine in the Championship this season under Marco Silva.

With his contract running out at the end of the season, there is expected to be some movement soon on his future.

Competition.

Victor Orta will be watching this ongoing situation very carefully.

Leeds are one of the best clubs in the country for scouting young talent and bringing them to Thorp Arch every single season.

Having said that, Carvalho would surely go straight into the first-team set up under Marcelo Bielsa and offer serious competition from the bench.

The Whites may need to make their move very quickly if they are to win the race, with Real Madrid looking to stamp their authority on the situation.

One thing this reported interest may do is play into our hands, with the mention of Madrid surely enough to stall any ongoing contract talks with Fulham.

Leeds could be set to swoop in and take advantage of that.



https://motleedsnews.com/news/58118/

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Odoi wants to seize opportunity

Denis Odoi has demanded that high-flying Fulham maintain their intensity as they return to Championship action after the international break at Blackpool on Saturday.

The Belgian full back is relishing his opportunity in the first team after Kenny Tete's hamstring injury and wants to prove to Marco Silva that his impressive display against Stoke City wasn't a one off. He told FFC TV this morning:

"Obviously, my situation three weeks ago looked very different than it does now. Unfortunately, Kenny gets injured. Now it is my chance to prove myself and prove that I can still play."

Odoi insists that Fulham can't afford to rest on their laurels at Bloomfield Road this wekeend.

"They will try and prove themselves against a good side and prove that they deserve their spot in the Championship. They will come out and give it everything they've got. It is up to us to still set the tone and prove to the rest of the league that we want to continue on our run.

It's nice to have early points, but it is only five games. I think if you want to do what we want to do in the league this year, we're not here to slack off for one game. We want to show everybody who we are – whether you are bottom of the league or top of the league doesn't matter to us."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/09/odoi-wants-to-seize-opportunity/

[WhiteJC]

Can anyone stop Fulham's Championship charge after explosive start to the season?

With Fulham sitting top of the Championship table after five games, any lingering ghosts of last season's Premier League relegation appear to have been resoundingly banished as Marco Silva's men look the real deal.

The Cottagers are playing football that suggests they will be difficult to stop en route to promotion, if not the title.

One draw and five consecutive wins in all competitions have galvanised the entire club and heading to Blackpool this Saturday, they remain undefeated with tangible momentum going forward.

Everywhere you look there are reasons for Fulham fans to get excited with a real buzz restored around Craven Cottage – key players are finding form again, new signings look impressive, and new manager Silva has settled into his new environment very quickly.

With a net spend of just £23m, the club's work in the transfer window has also shown growth and maturity. Fulham have managed to bring in Premier League-quality keeper Paulo Gazzaniga, the naturally gifted Harry Wilson, promising Brazilian striker Rodrigo Muniz and Watford midfielders Nathaniel Chalobah and Domingos Quina.

Meanwhile, the outgoing Stefan Johansen, Aboubakar Kamara, Frank Anguissa and all the loan signings from last season have freed up space in what looks like a very promising Championship squad.

Silva has clearly had an impact on Fulham's transfer policy, and although not the most popular with fans, Director of Football Tony Khan must also take some of the credit for shrewd business dealings this summer.

Much of the criticism of Khan surrounds the infamous £100m spending spree in the summer of 2018 but he seems to have learnt the harsh lessons from the past by doing good business, and early.

He also appears to have relaxed the imposition of his own strategic agenda on the club and allowed his better qualified manager to influence transfer policy.

Another huge plus is the form of possible superstar Fabio Carvalho. Although the 19-year-old's contract is up at the end of this season and the sharks have begun to circle, on the pitch he can do no wrong with three goals and an assist in his first Championship campaign.

Carvalho's natural ability is complemented by his tenacity and willingness to run at defenders – a potent combination being displayed at the perfect time with a whole season of game time ahead of him.

Comparisons have been drawn with Fulham's last rising starlet Ryan Sessegnon with both players' knack of being in the right place at the right time the kind of gift that makes scouts and coaches weak at the knees.

But Sessegnon's current predicament at Tottenham, where even the ten minutes he used to get under Jose Mourinho are in now jeopardy, should be a warning that Carvalho could suffer the same fate if he leaves too soon.

Carvalho's excellent form has also coincided with Fulham's main striker Aleksander Mitrovic reminding fans why he gets picked every week. The Serb has been a monster so far with four goals, two assists and a sizable helping of gamesmanship in the five games he's played.

To think, at the end of last season many fans were ready for the curtain to fall on his Fulham career. Now it looks like he will once again be playing a pivotal role in another intensely fought bid for promotion.

Jean Michaël Seri is another beneficiary of Silva's arrival and some consistent Championship game time. The Ivorian's recent form, case in point his 91% pass completion of 275 attempted passes across four starts, has many now regarding him as one of the best midfielders in the league.

After a couple of uninspiring loans in Europe, this could be the season where Seri really starts to validate his original £27m price tag.

In the race for the title, can anyone stop Fulham?

West Bromwich Albion are joint top and look like they will be right up there next summer. Mark Warburton has also built a strong QPR team, while Bournemouth are likely to build on their undefeated start.

Overall, there is some handsome football being played at the top of the league, but none more so than at Craven Cottage.

Desire, strength, talent and experience are just some of qualities coursing through this Fulham squad, and they still have midfield battleship Harrison Reed and Fulham's longest serving player Tom Cairney to come back.

Combined with the confidence and winning mentality that comes with a run of form, Fulham are a daunting prospect for the rest of the league and look unstoppable.



https://londonfootballscene.co.uk/2021/09/09/can-anyone-stop-fulhams-championship-charge-after-explosive-start-to-the-season/

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Preview: Blackpool vs. Fulham - prediction, team news, lineups

Fulham will look to strengthen their position at the top of the Championship standings when they face Blackpool at Bloomfield Road on Saturday afternoon.

Despite a couple of good results on the road, Blackpool are still searching for their first victory since promotion from the third tier.

Match preview
While some sections of Fulham supporters would have had reservations about the appointment of Marco Silva, the Portuguese has taken just six matches to eradicate each of those doubts.

Five successive wins in all competitions have generated nothing but positivity at Craven Cottage, club officials helping matters by bringing in Nathaniel Chalobah as a replacement for Andre-Frank Zambo-Anguissa.

The remainder of Fulham's star men have all remained at the club, only increasing expectations regarding an immediate return to the Premier League.

Nevertheless, their 3-0 demolition of rivals Stoke City before the international break suggested that Fulham will relish the target which will be on their backs this season.

Despite the performances of Fabio Carvalho dominating the headlines, Aleksandar Mitrovic has already contributed four goals and two assists in the second tier.

On the back of shipping 10 goals in their last five games in all competitions, Blackpool boss Neil Critchley would have certainly preferred different opponents this weekend.

That said, the comeback draw at Bournemouth is still relatively fresh in the memory, the performance giving reasons for supporters of the Tangerines to be optimistic about their future.

Another wave of new signings will need time to settle to life in the North-West, but Critchley can have no complaints regarding the options that he has at his disposal.

While Blackpool failed to record a point at home before the international break, their last league fixture at Bloomfield Road came back on August 17.

Blackpool Championship form:

    D    L    L    D    L

Blackpool form (all competitions):

    W    L    L    D    L    L

Fulham Championship form:

    D    W    W    W    W

Fulham form (all competitions):

    D    W    W    W    W    W

Team News
Blackpool will be without defender Callum Connolly after the right-back was sent off in the defeat at Millwall.

Dujon Sterling or Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel will come in for their debut, while Kevin Stewart will be considered for a recall after his 23-minute cameo at The Den.

Despite playing 86 minutes for Northern Ireland on Wednesday night, Shane Lavery should keep his place in attack.

Harry Wilson is expected to miss out for Fulham after being withdrawn during the first half of Wales' draw with Estonia, while Antonee Robinson is unlikely to be considered as a result of representing the United States on Wednesday night.

Joe Bryan and Ivan Cavaleiro are in line to feature from the start, but Chalobah and Domingos Quina could begin the game on the substitutes' bench.

Blackpool possible starting lineup:
Maxwell; Lawrence-Gabriel, Ekpiteta, Keogh, Garbutt; Bowler, James, Dougall, Anderson; Yates, Lavery

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Gazzaniga; Odoi, Adarabioyo, Ream, Bryan; Onomah, Seri; Cavaleiro, Carvalho, Cordova-Reid; Mitrovic

We say: Blackpool 0-2 Fulham

With several players having been away on international duty, Fulham may not look as fresh as they did during August. Nevertheless, the Cottagers should have more than enough quality to negotiate the contest in the North-West.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/preview/preview-blackpool-vs-fulham-prediction-team-news-lineups_462823.html?cQx=NN&newsnow

[WhiteJC]

Fulham confirm Championship squad list

Fulham have confirmed their 25 man squad for the Championship campaign following the closure of the summer transfer window at the start of the month.

EFL regulations state that no players aged 21 and under need to be registered as part of this process as they are automatically eligible to participate in league fixtures.

Marco Silva's full squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Paulo Gazzaniga, Marek Rodák.

Defenders: Joe Bryan, Cyrus Christie, Marlon Fossey, Michael Hector, Terence Kongolo, Alfie Mawson, Denis Odoi, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson, Kenny Tete, Tosin Adarabioyo.

Midfielders: Tom Cairney, Nathaniel Chalobah, Neeskens Kebano, Anthony Knockaert, Josh Onomah, Domingos Quina, Harrison Reed, Jean Michaël Seri, Harry Wilson

Forwards: Ivan Cavaleiro, Bobby Decordova-Reid, Aleksandar Mitrovic.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/09/fulham-confirm-championship-squad-list/

[WhiteJC]

Seven Fulham players could miss Blackpool game

Fulham could be without as many as seven players at Blackpool on Saturday.

Apart from long-term injuries to Kenny Tete, Tom Cairney and Terence Kongolo, there is also a raft of international players causing concern.

Aleksandar Mitrovic has returned from duty with a black eye and "another issue" according to Whites boss Marco Silva.

USA players Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson are not due back in the UK until Thursday afternoon from a long-haul trip against Honduras, and Harry Wilson is to be assessed over a possible concussion playing for Wales.

"How many are out? That's a good question," said Silva.

"Mitro returned yesterday and has a couple of issues.

"The American players should be with us tomorrow and we'll see how they are.

"As for Harry Wilson; I'm not the man to ask. I have to leave that to our medical staff to make that decision.

"We're going to have to wait on all of them before making final decisions."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-wls-mitrovic-and-wilson-among-seven-fulham-players-who-could-miss-blackpool-game

[WhiteJC]

Silva may miss seven first-teamers for Blackpool

Marco Silva might have to do without seven first-team players as Fulham look to extend their unbeaten start to the Championship season at Blackpool this weekend.

The Whites will certainly be missing long-term injury absentees Terence Kongolo and Tom Cairney. Whilst the Dutch defender has returned to training, the trip to Bloomfield Road will come too soon for him to make his latest return from injury. Silva revealed in his pre-match press conference this afternoon that captain Cairney has been undergoing therapy to hasten his own return to training following troublesome knee problems that have plagued him for the last nine months.

Fulham have a number of worries about their international contingent. Aleksandar Mitrovic sustained a cheekbone injury during Serbia's win over Luxembourg and, although he played in Tuesday's draw with the Republic of Ireland, he returned to Motspur Park with a black eye and will be monitored before a final decision about his participation is made tomorrow. Harry Wilson was substituted in the first half of Wales' draw with Estonia last night after complaining of blurred vision and Silva says the final call will be made by the club's medical staff.

American duo Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson, who scored in last night's thumping victory in Honduras, have yet to return from international duty and will be assessed tomorrow. Dutch defender Kenny Tete is definitely out with a hamstring strain – and Denis Odoi will be expected to deputise once again at right back.

"How many are out? That's a good question. Mitro returned yesterday and has a couple of issues. The American players should be with us tomorrow and we'll see how they are. As for Harry Wilson; I'm not the man to ask. I have to leave that to our medical staff to make that decision. We're going to have to wait on all of them before making final decisions.

The others are in the same situation. Tom Cairney is not involved with the team, he's still doing therapy to get as better as he can. Terence Kongolo has been with us already. Getting fitter and better day by day. But it's a different situation, he needs time."

Silva knows not to take Blackpool for granted, even though the Tangerines have yet to win a league game this season.

"It'll be a tough game I expect them to play with energy to get their first win. They are a team that did really well last season. When you get promoted, you have good vibes around the club, even if they didn't achieve the first win yet."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/09/silva-may-miss-seven-first-teamers-for-blackpool/

[WhiteJC]

Pre-Blackpool Press Conference

A number of decisions will be made regarding player fitness ahead of Fulham's trip to Blackpool on Saturday.

Antonee Robinson and Tim Ream were in Honduras as recently as Wednesday night, while Aleksandar Mitrović and Harry Wilson were both substituted through injury over the international period.

"We are checking some players who are arriving from their national teams," Marco Silva said in his pre-match press conference.

"Some of them still haven't arrived. The American players should be with us tomorrow. We'll see how they are and make a decision.

"We have a situation with Mitro that we have to check. He did well, played both games. As you know, he had a small issue in the first game, and the second game as well. We'll see how he is tomorrow but he looks in a condition to be involved in the game.

"The others arrived in a good condition, apart from Harry Wilson. We'll check tomorrow his situation, speak with him during the day, and after tomorrow we will check and see how he is, and take the decision we need to take.

"All the others are more or less in the same situation. Tom Cairney is not involved with the team yet, he's still doing some therapy that he needs to get better.

"Terence Kongolo is working with us, getting fitter, day by day he's getting better. We need to give time to him to get him in a good condition."

The Tangerines are one of three sides still searching for a first victory of the season, but Silva is reading nothing into that whatsoever.

"Tough game," he responded when asked what Saturday will bring. "I expect them to play with full energy to get the result they want, to get their first win in the Championship.

"It's a team that did really, really well last season. When you get promoted you always come with good vibes around you, around the club.

"Even if they didn't achieve the first win yet, for sure the vibe is good after the fantastic season they had last season.

"It's up to us to play close to our best level, or at our best level, to keep doing the things we have been, to get the three points, because for sure it will be tough. They will be playing in front of their supporters with a good atmosphere as well.

"It's up to us to go, to respect them, respect ourselves as well, and put the same demand on ourselves and play with the same ambition to get the three points.

"But for sure, it will be one more difficult game for us."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/september/Pre-Blackpool-Press-Conference/

[WhiteJC]

Tete and Cairney still struggling with injuries

Kenny Tete will be out for at least another six weeks with a hamstring injury.

Fulham boss Marco Silva made a late play to get a replacement right-back before the transfer window closed, but came up short.

However, he says he is more than happy with those left to plug the gap, including Denis Odoi.

The Belgian was the choice in the 3-0 home win over Hull, and there are others such as Bobby Decordova-Reid and Steven Sessegnon also able to fill the role.

Silva said: "Kenny will be out for one month and a half for sure, maybe two, but I cannot be precise to you.

"But I'm very happy with our squad. If you get someone (new) he has to add something. We don't just want to sign someone for the sake of it.

"We have others with different profiles to Kenny, but it's up to me to get the best from them.

"You saw last game that Denis did well. When you get your chance you have to take it, and Denis did that."

Meanwhile, Tom Cairney continues to struggle to recover from a long-term knee injury.

The Fulham captain has not featured since he faced Newcastle on December 19 last year.

The problem started with a knock in a pre-season friendly against MK Dons that gradually got worse.

Cairney has been close to making a return several times since but always pulled up short as the trouble flared again.

The Scotland international started pre-season, but yet again suffered a setback.

"He started the pre-season before I arrived, and did everything with this team-mates," Silva explained.

"But the reality is he felt the same situation in his knee.

"It's taking longer than we expected, but our main target is to get him to a perfect condition and to enjoy the training sessions every day and eventually to be fit enough to be involved in the games.

"How much longer it will be, I don't know."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-gives-updates-on-injured-fulham-duo-and-its-not-good-news

[WhiteJC]

Cottage Talk Preview: Blackpool vs. Fulham

Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham.

This is our preview of Blackpool vs. Fulham.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2021/9/9/22665638/cottage-talk-preview-blackpool-vs-fulham

[WhiteJC]

Silva delighted with Chalobah deal

Fulham head coach Marco Silva was delighted with his team's summer transfer dealings, describing the capture of Nathaniel Chalobah on a free as 'a very good opportunity for us'.

The Portuguese head coach worked with the former England midfielder during his time in charge of Watford and moved quickly to snap up the ex-Chelsea man along with Domingos Quina on deadline day to add to his options in midfield. Silva told his press conference this afternoon – as quoted by the Athletic's Peter Rutzler:

"Chalobah is a player I know very well from Watford. We signed him from Chelsea and he was called up by England before he suffered an injury. To sign a player like Chalobah for free, for zero, where we don't pay anything, with his quality and with his profile after losing Andre-Frank Anguissa, it was a very good opportunity for us.

I like to work with two players for each position. After last season we lost five, six, seven players. (Quina) was not signed because of Tom Cairney's situation. He was a good opportunity for us on the market."

Silva also gave more details about Cairney's slow road back to full fitness as he fights persistent knee problems.

"He started the pre-season before I arrived, and did everything with this team-mates. But the reality is he felt the same situation in his knee. It's taking longer than we expected, but our main target is to get him to a perfect condition and to enjoy the training sessions every day and eventually to be fit enough to be involved in the games. How much longer it will be, I don't know."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/09/silva-delighted-with-chalobah-deal/

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Silva Wins Manager of the Month

Marco Silva has been named Championship Manager of the Month for August.

Despite never having coached in England's second tier before, Silva has led Fulham to 13 points from a possible 15 to put us top of the league.

It's been done in style, too, with the handbrake firmly off as the Whites have found the back of the net on no fewer than 15 occasions in all competitions.

Silva, though, was quick to share the praise with others.

"I'm pleased to receive the award for August, which is recognition for the collective work carried out by all of us at the Club," he said. "My staff, the players and everyone that works at Fulham FC have all put in a lot of effort.

"This is only the start of the campaign with still a lot of hard work ahead."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/september/Silva-Wins-Manager-of-the-Month/

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'It's taking longer than we expected' – Fulham boss provides injury update on 30-year-old

Fulham boss Marco Silva has given an update on Tom Cairney, but hasn't offered a potential return date for the midfielder.

Cairney, 30, has been battling with persistent knee injuries for the past few seasons.

The Scot is a hailed name among Fulham fans but last season would only feature 10 times in the Premier League, scoring once and grabbing as many assists as his side were relegated from the top flight for a second time in three seasons.

Now though, dropping down to the Championship once again, but under new management in Silva, the Whites look to be early contenders for the Championship crown after a strong start to the campaign.

Cairney though is yet to make his debut under Silva and still looks to be a while away form a return to action.

Speaking to The Athletic (via HammyEnd) on Cairney's injury situation, Silva said:

"He started the pre-season before I arrived, and did everything with this team-mates. But the reality is he felt the same situation in his knee.

"It's taking longer than we expected, but our main target is to get him to a perfect condition and to enjoy the training sessions every day and eventually to be fit enough to be involved in the games. How much longer it will be, I don't know."

Will Cairney walk straight back into the starting line up?
Cairney has been a valuable member of the side since his 2015 move from Blackburn Rovers. He's enjoyed some fine seasons at Craven Cottage having managed over 200 appearances in all competitions, including 42 in the 2019/20 promotion-winning season.

But Silva has some good options in the middle – the likes of Jean Michael Seri who looks as though he could be a key player this season, Harrison Reed who returned from injury v Stoke City last time round and of course, Fabio Carvalho in that no.10 role.

Cairney looks as though he could play a back-up role upon his return to fitness but for Silva, it's quality back-up to have in a number of central positions.



https://the72.co.uk/250039/its-taking-longer-than-we-expected-fulham-boss-provides-injury-update-on-30-year-old/