Cottagers coach Marco Silva said Kenny Tete will be out for at least eight weeks due to the injury that forced him off during Fulham's 2-2 draw with Liverpool on December 14.
Former Netherlands international Tite started 14 of Fulham's 15 Premier League matches before his second-half collision with Reds defender Joe Gomez at Anfield, leaving Silva to describe his long-term absence as “not good news”.
“The impact on his leg at that moment was clear to everyone who was watching the match on TV,” Silva said. “This heavy blow and tackle had an impact on his knee and he will be out for a long time.
“He doesn't need surgery or anything like that, but he will be out for at least eight to ten weeks. It will take longer for him to be ready after that, to be able to help us, as he has been doing.
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— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 20, 2024
Fulham: Tite is performing well
Fulham twice went ahead of the leaders on their way to a fourth game unbeaten as part of a run of one defeat in nine games that has seen them sit eighth in the table.
Belgian international Timothy Castagne, whose career Silva described as “impressive” during 29 starts in 34 league matches last season, will replace Tite.
“It's a big blow, there's no doubt about that,” Silva said. “(It's) not at all because Timothy is not at that level – Timothy is a really good right-back for us, he showed that last season, he showed that throughout his career.
“He (Castagne) came to our football club (in August 2023) and the first time he had that position, he did not give any chance to Kenny Tete last season.
“This season has been a bit adverse, because Timothy Castagne came back a little late (from the 2024 European Championship), and Kenny has had a very good pre-season and is performing well.”
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— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 20, 2024
Silva: Castagne has every confidence
“It will be a good time for Timothy to come in and show his quality again,” Silva added. “He is more than ready for it and has the trust of both of us. What's more, he has the quality to do it very well.”
“They are two different footballers, but they are both very good right-backs, and we are really comfortable with that situation. But, of course, I would rather have both of them ready than just one.
Fulham will play at home on Sunday (2pm GMT) against bottom club Southampton, who are said to be close to appointing former Roma coach Ivan Juric as Russell Martin's replacement.
Martin was sacked after Southampton's 5-0 defeat at home to Tottenham on Sunday, leaving them nine points from safety after their 13th loss from 16 league matches.
