Fulham manager Marco Silva has clarified why new signing Samuel Chukwueze was absent from the squad that defeated Leeds United 1-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
Chukwueze, who arrived on loan from AC Milan on transfer deadline day, was expected to be in contention but missed out entirely as the Cottagers snatched victory late through Gabriel Gudmundsson’s stoppage-time own goal.
Lack of preparation time
Silva revealed that the decision was not based on fitness concerns but on the Nigerian international’s lack of preparation with the team.
The winger only linked up with his new club last Thursday after international duty, leaving little room to integrate fully.
Samuel Chukwueze – Credit: Fulham on X
“It was almost impossible for Chukwueze to be involved in this game because he doesn’t even know the names of all his teammates,” Silva explained.
“He signed with us on the last day of the market, then went to the national team, and only arrived back on Thursday. He has had just two sessions with us.”
The Portuguese coach stressed that new signings need time to understand tactical instructions and adapt to their surroundings before being thrown into competitive action.
Time to adapt
Silva also highlighted the importance of allowing players to settle off the pitch, suggesting that factors like accommodation and comfort in a new environment can impact readiness.
“That’s an example of why players need time to understand everything around them, to settle, even something simple like finding a house instead of living in a hotel for two or three months,” he said.
Chukwueze, 25, has seen limited action this season, featuring just 25 minutes for Milan in Serie A and 12 minutes for Nigeria in World Cup qualifiers.
His loan move to Fulham includes an option to buy, and he joins fellow Nigerians Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi at the west London club.
Late win lifts Fulham
While Chukwueze watched from the sidelines, Fulham found a breakthrough deep into stoppage time as Gudmundsson diverted a cross into his own net, sealing three points against Noah Okafor’s Leeds side.