Fulham boss Marco Silva has explained why new signing Samuel Chukwueze was absent from the squad in Saturday’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Leeds United at Craven Cottage, Footynaija.com reports.
The Cottagers, desperate for their first league win of the campaign, finally broke through late on when Leeds defender Gabriel Gudmundsson headed into his own net, handing Silva’s men a crucial three points.
Super Eagles stars Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey were both included in the starting lineup.
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Teammates for club and country.
Samuel Chukwueze, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi. pic.twitter.com/jftWq27FTU
— @ (@OneJoblessBoy) September 13, 2025
While deadline-day arrival Kevin was named on the bench, there was no place for Chukwueze, who sealed a loan move from AC Milan on transfer deadline day.
Silva has revealed that the Nigeria international was never in contention to feature so soon after arriving.
“It was impossible for Chukwueze to start, probably he doesn’t know all his teammates’ names. He had two days of training after arriving on the last day, and off to play for his country,” the Fulham manager explained.
Chukwueze, 26, joined Fulham on a season-long loan with an option to buy in 2026.
He scored eight goals and registered six assists in 70 games for Milan before making the switch.
Reflecting on the move, the Super Eagles winger said: “I’m so happy to be here. It’s an amazing club. It feels like home, because I have my people around me. I feel at home already, and I can’t wait to get started.”
The Nigerian star now links up with compatriots Iwobi and Bassey in West London and could make his debut in Fulham’s upcoming London derby against Brentford.
