As Fulham prepares for their Premier League encounter against Crystal Palace, manager Alvaro Arbeloa has provided an update on the fitness of his squad. The Cottagers will be without midfielder Tom Cairney, who remains the only player sidelined due to injury ahead of Saturday's match.
Fulham has bolstered their roster with the recent signings of Hugo Larsson, Manuel Angel, and David Affengruber. However, Arbeloa indicated that while these new players have joined the squad, they are not yet fit to start. Instead, he suggested that they could be included in the matchday squad but will need time to acclimate to the team's style of play.
“The players are all ready except Tom Cairney,” Arbeloa stated, emphasizing the importance of patience with the new arrivals. “Be patient with these three (new) players. They need to understand what we want from them.” This cautious approach reflects Arbeloa's commitment to ensuring that the new signings are fully prepared before they take on significant roles in the team.
In addition to discussing the new signings, Arbeloa expressed his satisfaction with the continued presence of right-back Kenny Tete. Tete was previously linked with a move to Everton, but that transfer did not materialize, and he remains a key player for Fulham. Arbeloa noted Tete’s experience and familiarity with the club, which will be beneficial as the season progresses.
“He’s very happy to be here in another season,” Arbeloa remarked. “He has experience, he knows perfectly the club primarily and of course he will be another player who has been doing so great during the first season.” Tete's retention is seen as a positive development for the team, especially as they look to build on their performance in the Premier League.
As Fulham gears up for the match against Crystal Palace, the focus will be on how the team can leverage its depth and the integration of new players. The Cottagers are aiming to secure a strong performance in front of their home fans at Craven Cottage and continue their pursuit of success in the Premier League.
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