AFCON 2025
Fulham’s head coach, Marco Silva, has explained his decision to omit new signing Samuel Chukwueze from the matchday squad against Leeds United, stating the winger needs more time to integrate with the team.
Chukwueze, who joined the Craven Cottage club on a season-long loan from AC Milan on transfer deadline day, was widely expected to make his debut in the Premier League clash. However, he was a notable absentee from Silva’s lineup.
Silva revealed that the Nigeria international had barely had any time to familiarise himself with his new teammates.
“Chukwueze couldn’t start, probably he doesn’t know all his teammates’ names,” Silva was quoted as saying by the club’s official website.
“He had two days of training after arriving on the last day, and off to play for his country.”
The manager’s decision was ultimately vindicated, as Fulham secured a dramatic victory. The team claimed their first three points of the season in the 94th minute, thanks to an own goal that sealed the win.
