Injury expert shares Fulham update ahead of West Ham United Premier League clash
Fulham are set to be without three first-team players for their Premier League clash against West Ham United on Saturday, according to injury expert, Ben Dinnery.
The West Londoners have been dealt a major blow after Aleksandar Mitrovic was given an eight-match ban for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh during Fulham’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.
Furthermore, according to Dinnery (Premier injuries), Marco Silva will be without Neeskens Kebano and Layvin Kurzawa, who are both “ruled out” through injury.
Fulham will welcome back Willian against West Ham after he was sent off for handball during the cup loss at Old Trafford.
Opportunity
Mitrovic has been a huge part of Fulham’s success this season and his extended absence will be a big blow to Silva. The Serbian never makes life easy for defenders but the eight-game ban comes as no surprise.
You simply cannot confront an official in the way he did. The abuse which has been thrown the way of referees has significantly increased in recent years. It’s part of the game, but it has potentially gone slightly too far. For future incidents to be prevented, referees must start brandishing yellow and red cards for any sort of abuse aimed in their direction.
If players know they will be punished immediately, they would almost certainly refrain from making their feelings known towards officials.
From Fulham’s perspective, Mitrovic’s actions have certainly put a dampener on what has been an excellent return to the Premier League. A top-half finish would be a remarkable achievement considering the big clubs who are currently battling to secure their league status.
The Serb would have been out for the Hammers clash either way with the initial length of his suspension but it is a boost for David Moyes who will need to take full advantage.