Fulham boss reveals doubtful fitness state of Super Eagles star ahead of Arsenal clash
Obi Donald
Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alex Iwobi are all Fulham stars who featured for the Super Eagles of Nigeria over the International break…
Fulham head coach Marco Silva has revealed Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze is a doubt ahead of their clash against Arsenal this evening, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 26-year-old has played 63 minutes of football for the Cottagers since joining from AC Milan on loan during the summer transfer window.
While he didn’t play for Lesotho, Chukwueze played 45 minutes in Nigeria’s 4-0 win over Benin, providing two assists for Victor Osimhen.
Samuel Chukwueze of Nigeria during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Super Eagles of Nigeria and Benin Republic at Godwill Akpabio Stadium on October 14, 2025, in Uyo, Nigeria. Photo by ImagoxNsidibe Akpan
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However, as soon as the half-time whistle was blown by Egyptian referee Amin Omar, the former Villareal winger pulled up on the pitch, holding his already heavily-strapped calf.
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle opted to take Chukwueze off, bringing Olakunle Olasegun on in his place.
Chukwueze doubtful for Arsenal clash – Fulham boss
While the fleet-footed winger joined in the recovery session alongside Bassey and Iwobi on Thursday, Marco Silva revealed he’s unsure the Nigerian forward will play against Arsenal, alongside some of the players that represented their nations during the International break.
Saša Lukić, Rodrigo Muniz and Antonee Robinson have all been ruled out, while Samuel Chukwueze, Raúl Jiménez and Kenny Tete remain doubtful for Saturday’s fixture at Craven Cottage.
“It’s the reality for us. We cannot change it,” the former Watford coach retorted during his pre-match conference when he was quizzed about the absence of some of his key players.
Birmingham, England, 28th September 2025. Samuel Chukwueze during the Aston Villa vs Fulham Premier League match at Villa Park, Birmingham. Picture credit ImagoxJames Baylis/ Sportimage
“It’s up to us, our medical staff and our rehabilitation group to get them ready as quickly as they can because we need them.
“If you have all your players available, you’re going to be stronger. If you don’t have key players – not just one or two – you’re not at the same level. But it’s not going to be an excuse for us. We have to move on, and we have to go.
“Of course, we cannot hide. When we’re talking about a player like Robinson, for example, you know the impact that he’s had in the last two or three seasons in all aspects of the game,” the ex-Everton manager concluded.
Samuel Chukwueze gets his first minutes for the club during the EFL Cup match between Fulham and Cambridge United at Craven Cottage on September 23, 2025, in London, England. Photo by ImagoxPedro Soares/SPP
Fulham have won three of their last five games, while Arsenal have won four of their last five games, with the only draw coming against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.