Fulham manager Marco Silva will be without three key players for their Premier League clash with Arsenal this weekend, providing a significant boost for Mikel Arteta's title-chasing side. The Cottagers make the short trip across London to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening for what is another must-win game for the Gunners.
Arsenal's Title Push
Arsenal have moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League table, with Manchester City involved in FA Cup action last weekend. Pep Guardiola's side do not face Everton until Monday night, giving Arsenal the opportunity to extend their lead to six points with a victory on Saturday. The Gunners are eager to capitalize on their rivals' delayed fixture and maintain pressure in the title race.
Injury Updates
Former Arsenal star Alex Iwobi will not feature against his old club. The Nigeria international was forced off before half-time in Fulham's goalless draw with Brentford two weeks ago after pulling up with a hamstring injury. The setback also ruled him out of last weekend's victory over Aston Villa, and Silva has confirmed that Iwobi remains sidelined.
Ryan Sessegnon, who scored the winner against Aston Villa, was forced off late in that game with a knock. The 25-year-old will miss the match at the Emirates and Fulham's subsequent fixture against Bournemouth. Silva provided an update on Sessegnon's condition, stating, 'It's not good news about him. Sessegnon is going to be out of the next game, and probably the one after will be the same story for him, and then we will have to assess him day by day. For the Arsenal game, for sure out. For the game after, for sure out.'
Summer signing Kevin, who has scored a respectable eight goals in his first season in England, remains sidelined after missing the last seven games with a metatarsal bruise. His absence deprives Fulham of a key attacking threat.
On a more positive note, Fulham are likely to have Kenny Tete available again. Silva commented, 'Alex is out still, plus Kevin. Kenny, we will have to see how he reacts from the last two sessions. He can probably be involved in the game. We have some doubts on some players, but we will assess them tomorrow to see how they react from things that happened in the week.'
Previous Encounter
Arsenal beat Fulham 1-0 in the reverse fixture at Craven Cottage in October, and they will be hoping for a similar result to keep their title ambitions firmly on track. With Fulham missing three influential players, the Gunners have a golden opportunity to strengthen their position at the top of the table.
