Fulham Football Club has received a timely boost ahead of their crucial Premier League clash with Liverpool this weekend, with manager Marco Silva confirming that Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey is in contention for a place in the travelling squad to Anfield. The Portuguese tactician revealed this positive update during his pre-match press conference, stating that the Leicester City academy graduate is now fully fit after recovering from a back issue that forced him to withdraw from the Super Eagles squad for their March international friendlies.
Bassey’s injury had caused him to miss Nigeria’s friendly matches against Iran and Jordan in Antalya, raising concerns that he might not be ready for Fulham’s important matchday 32 encounter against the reigning champions. His absence prompted Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle to hand a late call-up to Trabzonspor centre-back Chibuike Nwaiwu as a direct replacement on the eve of the match against Team Melli.
This season, the Nigerian defender has been a consistent presence in the Fulham lineup, starting 21 of the 25 Premier League games for which he has been available. His contributions include scoring one goal and winning a penalty during Fulham’s 3-1 victory over Sunderland back in February, underscoring his importance to the team’s defensive and attacking set-ups.
It is also assumed that Bassey’s international teammates, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze, will be available for selection for the match on Saturday. Manager Silva confirmed that all of his returning internationals came back to the club in good physical condition following the break. Both Chukwueze and Iwobi featured prominently for Nigeria in their two friendly matches against Iran and Jordan during the international window.
Fulham fans will be hopeful that the return of their key Nigerian players provides the necessary strength and depth to face a formidable Liverpool side at Anfield, a result that could significantly impact their final standing in the Premier League table.
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