Fulham head coach Marco Silva has revealed why Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze was left out of the squad in the Cottagers’ dramatic 1-0 victory over Leeds United at Craven Cottage on Saturday, Bold Sports reports.
The west London side went into the fixture desperate to secure their first win of the campaign. While Brazilian winger Kevin — who also arrived on deadline day — was named among the substitutes, there was no place for Chukwueze, who joined on loan from AC Milan.
Despite a tough fight from the newly-promoted side, Fulham found a late breakthrough when Leeds defender Gabriel Gudmundsson headed into his own net, sparking jubilant celebrations among the home supporters.
Explaining his decision, Silva said: “It was impossible for Chukwueze to start, probably he doesn’t know all his teammates’ names. He had two days of training after arriving on the last day, and off to play for his country.”
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On Kevin, who came off the bench and impressed, the Portuguese tactician added: “The first time Kevin met all the squad was yesterday. Kevin adds something that’s not easy to find. He made a massive impact in the way we were playing. It was an important move from ourselves. It was fortunate, the way we won the game. The game was very tight, very balanced. Great feeling for us.”
“We have to give time for him to settle. To find a house, all those things with his family. To start to create connections. He is going to help us, Marco Silva added.
With their first league win now secured, Fulham will look to build momentum when they host Brentford in an early-season London derby on Saturday, 20 September. Chukwueze, meanwhile, will be hoping to make his debut for the club in that clash.
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