Marco Silva reveals the real reason for Samuel Chukwueze’s snub in Fulham’s win over Leeds United

Samuel Chukwueze joined Fulham on transfer deadline day, and he was expected to make the matchday squad for their game against Leeds United on Saturday…

Fulham coach Marco Silva has revealed that Samuel Chukwueze was not named in the matchday squad for their game against Leeds United on Saturday, as he is still adjusting to his new environment, Soccernet.ng reports.

Chukwueze joined Fulham from AC Milan in a season-long loan on transfer deadline day. But just hours later, he had to return to Nigeria for the international break with the Super Eagles.

The 26-year-old winger returned to England on Wednesday. And reported to the club's training facility to work with some of his new teammates for the first time.

Meanwhile, most of the new signings at other Premier League clubs have been getting their debuts, and it was expected that Chukwueze would make Fulham's bench at least, when they played hosts to Leeds United at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

However, the Super Eagles star was conspicuously missing, as he was was not included in the starting eleven or the matchday squad.

The Cottagers did not need Chukwueze in the end, as they claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

Three points at the Cottage! pic.twitter.com/Ztl565Mp8V

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) September 13, 2025

After the game, coach Silva spoke about Chukwueze, as he explained that the Super Eagles star needs more time with his teammates before he starts playing.

“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,” Silva said, per Fulham correspondent Jack Kelly.

Next Week Might Be Samuel Chukwueze's Day

Fulham's next game is a Premier League fixture against Brentford next Saturday. By then, Samuel Chukwueze would have had a lot of training sessions with his new teammates. He will fancy his chances of getting minutes by then.

The Super Eagles winger has to make a big impression at Fulham if he wants the club to make his transfer permanent.

With the level of competition for places at Craven Cottage, Chukwueze will definitely have to hit the ground running.