Newcastle United return after the international break with a tough trip to in-form Fulham on Saturday. The Magpies will be looking for their first win since the opening day of the season after a run of five draws and one defeat in six matches.
Opponents Fulham have made an excellent start to the season but Marco Silva is set to be without a few key players for Saturday’s game, none more so than influential midfielder Joao Palhinha.
Palhinha has settled excellently in the Premier League since joining from Sporting club de Portugal but has already accumulated five bookings in seven matches, meaning he is suspended for tomorrow’s game. He joins both Harry Wilson and Manor Solomon on the sidelines, who are long-term absentees.
READ MORE: Fulham boss Marco Silva drops Aleksandar Mitrovic injury hint ahead of Newcastle United reunion
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: "We have some knocks. João (suspension), Harry Wilson and Manor will not be involved but all the others will need to be assessed.”
At this stage it is unclear as to who will replace Palhinha in central midfield, though Tom Cairney appears to be the obvious selection. Silva is also unsure on the availability of left-back Antonee Robinson, who missed the 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest before the international break.
Tim Ream filled in for him last time out but could return to his favoured centre-back position with deadline day signing Layvin Kurzawa now fit.
Silva said: "He [Robinson] is a doubt, we have to assess him, He trained with us this week. He's [Kurzawa] ready to play."
Predicted Fulham XI: Leno; Tete, Adarabioyo, Ream, Kurzawa; Reed, Cairney; Willian, Pereira, Reid; Mitrovic
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