Marco Silva revealed that Brazilian winger Kevin is back “in contention” For Fulham after a long injury layoff. The 23-year-old broke his toe against Sunderland but he has got himself fit to be able to have a say in the final three games of the season.
Marco Silva revealed that Brazilian winger Kevin is back “in contention” for Fulham after a long injury layoff.
The 23-year-old broke his metatarsal in the 3-1 away win over Sunderland on February 22 and was said to be out for the remainder of the season.
But the Brazilian has got himself back fit and ready to go in time to have a say in the run-in for Fulham, with the Cottagers hoping he can have an impact in the final three matches of the season.
It is unlikely he will feature against Bournemouth, after only a week back in proper training, but Fulham have missed his directness and Silva may feel he could make a big difference off the bench.
The Cottagers have three remaining matches in the season, with Bournemouth the first of three ‘finals’ as they look to squeeze into European football.
Fulham also travel to Molineux to play Wolves and face Newcastle at Craven Cottage on the final day of the Premier League season.
At this stage, all three levels of continental action are possible for Fulham, with sixth likely to provide Champions League football and the Cottagers just four points off that.
Speaking in his press conference, Silva said: “Kevin is going to be back in contention.”
“Long period without games, but a good week from him with the team and he’s going to be in contention.
“It’s important for us. It’s been a very difficult season, in that aspect of the game.
“In certain periods, we have been without key players for us.
“Unfortunately for us, almost more than half of the season just with one striker, squeezing Raul [Jimenez] as much as we can.
“It’s not a normal situation, waiting a long period to see Rodrigo Muniz back in the best form possible.
“Probably in the best moment for [Kevin], when he was really adapted, when he had become decisive for us and a threat for the opposition, he took a really difficult injury that completely broke the momentum for him and for the team.”
Fulham were last victorious away from home against Sunderland, so there may well be some method to Marco Silva’s madness regarding the momentum being stalled with his injury.
Now with Kevin due to return to the fold, could Fulham see themselves into the European places upon his return?
Only time will tell, but there can be no doubt that his return to the set up is a massively positive one.