West Ham United and Fulham face significant squad disruptions ahead of their Premier League encounter at the London Stadium on Saturday. Both sides are dealing with a combination of injuries and international absences, which could prove decisive in a match with implications at both ends of the table.
Fulham's Squad Hit by Striker Blow and AFCON Exodus
Fulham manager Marco Silva confirmed a major setback with striker Rodrigo Muniz ruled out until February. The Brazilian is making progress with individual training but is not yet ready for a first-team return. Silva provided a cautious update, stating Muniz is "getting good feelings" but needs more time.
The Cottagers are also severely impacted by the African Cup of Nations, losing four key players. Defender Calvin Bassey, wingers Samu Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi, and full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka are all away on international duty. Furthermore, midfielder Diouf is also participating in the tournament.
Wilson a Doubt as Sessegnon Remains Sidelined
Adding to Fulham's selection headaches, winger Harry Wilson is considered a doubt for the trip to East London. Silva revealed Wilson suffered a "big knock" and will be assessed in training, though the manager is hopeful the player will be available.
Defender Ryan Sessegnon remains unavailable as he continues his rehabilitation from injury. Silva indicated Sessegnon is "already running on the pitch" and doing individual work, but a precise return date has not been set, with the club taking a careful approach to his recovery.
West Ham's Concerns and League Context
For West Ham, goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is currently sidelined with a back injury. This absence adds to the pressure on David Moyes's squad, who are five points adrift of the safety spot currently occupied by Nottingham Forest.
Fulham, meanwhile, travel with slightly more confidence after a vital win over Nottingham Forest last Monday moved them ten points clear of the relegation zone. This result helped stabilise their position after a difficult run of form that had seen them slip down the table.
The match promises to be a tense affair, with both teams' ambitions heavily influenced by the players missing from their matchday squads. How each manager adapts to these enforced changes could be the defining factor in Saturday's London derby.
