Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze could be set for a significant increase in game time at Fulham in the coming weeks following an injury to his teammate, Kevin, Soccernet.ng reports.
Chukwueze was a notable absentee from Fulham’s 3-1 victory over Sunderland on Sunday. Before the match, manager Marco Silva revealed that the Nigerian star was nursing a calf injury sustained during the previous clash against Manchester City, forcing him to sit out the trip to the Stadium of Light.
In his absence, Silva handed a start to Brazilian winger Kevin. The exciting 23-year-old — who joined Fulham for a club-record fee from Shakhtar Donetsk — showed flashes of brilliance early on but was forced off just before halftime after sustaining a serious-looking injury.
The match was goalless at the time of his departure, but the second half saw a flurry of action, with Raul Jiménez and Alex Iwobi securing the three points for the Cottagers. After the game, Silva delivered an update on Kevin’s condition.
“It doesn’t look good, unfortunately, but I cannot be 100% sure or give some feedback because it’s too soon,” Silva told West London Sport. “Hopefully, it is nothing serious, but right now the feeling is not the best. We have to wait.”
Samuel Chukwueze in Pole Position to Secure Starting Spot
Should Kevin be sidelined for a significant period, Samuel Chukwueze stands to be the primary beneficiary.
Throughout the campaign, Silva has often rotated between the two wingers. With Kevin potentially facing a long spell on the treatment table, the path is clear for Chukwueze to make the right-wing position his own.
Although currently recovering from a minor calf strain, the 26-year-old is expected to return to training this week and could be fit for the upcoming London derby against Tottenham.
The Super Eagles star has been a revelation since his deadline-day loan move from AC Milan last summer.
In just 13 appearances, he has already tallied three goals and four assists, proving to be a clinical addition to Silva's attack.
With Fulham still harboring dreams of European qualification and Chukwueze fighting to turn his loan into a permanent deal at Craven Cottage, this unexpected opening provides the perfect stage for the Nigerian to prove he is indispensable.
