Marco Silva confirms Samuel Chukwueze out of Fulham’s Sunderland trip | OneFootball

Marco Silva says Samuel Chukwueze will not be risked for Fulham’s Premier League trip to Sunderland on Sunday after a calf issue.

The Cottagers visit the Stadium of Light aiming to become the first side this season to beat the Black Cats home and away, after November’s 1-0 win in West London sealed late by Raul Jimenez. Fulham have lost four of their past five league matches.

The Nigeria winger sustained the minor problem in the recent defeat to Manchester City and has since returned to training.

Sasa Lukic and Tom Cairney have also rejoined training. The head coach indicated it will be too soon for at least one of them to feature, and their involvement remains uncertain.

Sunderland head coach Le Bris offered mixed updates. Captain Granit Xhaka has trained near fully and is available, while Bertrand is set to rejoin the group next week and might be available soon. Left-back Reinildo Mandava faces three or four weeks out with a knee problem sustained against Liverpool, with a possible return after Brighton, in time for Newcastle.

Le Bris added that, despite being fit to play, Nordi Mukiele is not currently taking long throws because of a hand issue. Sunderland have used fewer long throws lately, with Trai Hume stepping in, and the coach hopes Mukiele can resume that role soon.

Source: Sunderland Echo