AliousEARLY TEAM & INJURY REPORT: Sunderland handed MAJOR boost as Fulham SWEAT over fresh striker setback — Marco Silva reveals growing concern ahead of Craven Cottage showdown
The stage is set for a Premier League clash at Craven Cottage as Sunderland prepare to face Fulham right after the international break — but both sides are juggling key injury and suspension worries.
Sunderland’s situation: Boosts and caution
Régis Le Bris’s squad could receive a timely lift with three players nearing full fitness before the trip to London.
Omar Alderete is closing in on a return after completing concussion protocols. Le Bris confirmed the defender might regain sharpness by featuring for Paraguay during the break:
> “It’s not serious, but we followed the protocol strictly. Hopefully, he can build up minutes and be ready for Fulham.”
Dennis Cirkin and Romaine Mundle have also resumed full training. Cirkin featured in the U21s’ 4–2 win over Ipswich, while Mundle could rejoin the senior squad after being carefully managed through his hamstring recovery.
> “Romaine’s been building consistency across a few weeks now, so we’ll assess him before Fulham,” Le Bris added.
Elsewhere, Leo Hjelde has returned to training following double Achilles surgery, but Aji Alese remains sidelined. Habib Diarra is targeting an early December comeback — potentially just in time to face Newcastle before the Africa Cup of Nations.
One lingering concern for Le Bris, however, is discipline: Noah Sadiki and Granit Xhaka are both one booking away from suspension, something Sunderland will have to manage carefully in the next set of fixtures.
Fulham’s frustration: Silva hit by new setback
Fulham manager Marco Silva has a new headache after striker Rodrigo Muniz appeared to aggravate a recent hamstring injury in their 2–0 loss to Everton. Introduced as a second-half substitute, Muniz was forced off just minutes later — sparking concern within the Fulham camp.
Silva admitted the situation was “bad news,” saying:
> “It’s never good when a player comes on and has to come off after 10 or 15 minutes. It’s not a good sign.”
With Raúl Jiménez still struggling for full fitness and unable to complete a full training session in recent weeks, Fulham’s attacking options are suddenly looking thin. Muniz’s condition will be closely monitored over the break, with fears he could miss the Sunderland fixture altogether.
The road ahead
As both managers navigate injury lists and fitness doubts, the upcoming clash at Craven Cottage is shaping up to be a test of squad depth and discipline.
Sunderland may head into the tie slightly stronger — but Fulham’s growing injury woes could hand Le Bris’s men a vital edge when Premier League action resumes.
READ MORE: Full fitness updates, tactical analysis, and predicted lineups inside!
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