Fulham head coach Marco Silva has revealed why newly signed winger Samuel Chukwueze was left out of the matchday squad for their Premier League game against Leeds United.
Chukwueze joined Fulham on loan from AC Milan on transfer deadline day and was expected to make his debut in the Saturday clash at Craven Cottage.
However, Silva explained that it was impossible for the Nigeria international to start or even be included as he needed more time to integrate with his new teammates.
“It was impossible for Chukwueze to start, probably he doesn’t know all his teammates’ names. He had just two days of training after arriving on the last day, and off to play for his country,” Silva told the club’s official website.
Chukwueze had little time to familiarize himself with the team, having just returned from international duty with Nigeria before rejoining Fulham’s training.
While Fulham secured a narrow 1-0 win over Leeds without Chukwueze, Silva emphasized the importance of allowing new signings time to settle and understand the squad before making their competitive debut.