Kenny Tete will be out for at least eight weeks after picking up the injury sustained in the 2-2 draw with Fulham on December 14, Cottagers manager Marco Silva has said.
Ex-Netherlands international Tete has featured in 14 of Fulham's 15 Premier League games and before clashing with Reds defender Joe Gomez at Anfield in the second half, Silva revealed the news was not good for his long-term absence.
“The impact on his eyes in that moment was clear to anyone watching the game on TV,” Silva said. “That big bump and tackle hurt his knee and he's going to be out for a long time.
“He didn't need surgery or anything like that. But he will be out of meetings for at least eight to 10 weeks. After that, it will take a lot longer for him to be ready – to help us like he really does.”
Bring on the festivities. 👊 pic.twitter.com/ywozP5GGPL
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 20 2024
Fulham: Tete 'very good performance'
Fulham took the lead twice to go into the fourth game unbeaten as part of a nine-game losing streak that has left them eighth in the table.
Timothy Castagne will replace Tete in a campaign that Silva, who started 29 of 34 league games last season, described as “impressive”.
“It's a big blow,” he said. Without a doubt,” Silva said. “(It's) not because Timothy isn't at this level. Timothy is a really good right-back for us and he showed that last season and he's shown it throughout his career.
“(Castagne) came into our football club (August 2023) and the first time he got the job, he didn't give a chance to Kenny Tete last season.
“This season is a bit of a contrast, because Timothy Castagne (Euro 2024) came back a bit late and Kenny had a very good pre-season and did very well.”
Naija boys. 🦅 pic.twitter.com/wkObamgH68
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 20 2024
Silva: Castagne has confidence
“It's time for Timothy to show his quality again,” added Silva. “He's more than ready for it and he has a lot of confidence in himself. More than that, it has the quality of being functional in a good way.
“They are different footballers but they are both very good right-backs and we are really comfortable with that situation. But I'm sure both would rather be ready than one.”
Fulham are close to appointing ex-Roma boss Ivan Juric as Russell Martin's replacement as they play Southampton at home on Sunday (2pm GMT).
After Sunday's 5-0 home defeat by Tottenham Hotspur, Martin was sacked for the 13th defeat in 16 league games to take nine points.