Fulham head coach Marco Silva has hinted that Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze is edging closer to earning his first start for the club.
The 26-year-old joined Fulham on loan from AC Milan on transfer deadline day but is yet to start a Premier League game. His progress was slowed by a calf injury suffered shortly after the October international break, which limited him to just 13 minutes of action since then.
Those minutes came in Fulham’s 3–0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, where Chukwueze impressed with his lively dribbles and came close to scoring, only to be denied by the woodwork.
Ahead of Fulham’s trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium to face Everton on Saturday, Silva revealed that the Nigerian winger is now in contention for a starting role.
“The moment will arrive for Samuel Chukwueze too. We’re feeling he can have an impact for us,” Silva said. “He’s brave and plays with confidence, and fans like to see that.”
The Portuguese manager noted that Chukwueze has been working hard to regain full fitness and adapt to Fulham’s style of play. He also hinted at tactical flexibility, suggesting that Chukwueze could operate either on the flanks or in a more central role.
“The biggest challenge and answer he can give is not just in one-on-one situations, but in finishing. The way he plays and his courage on the ball are things we value,” Silva added.
Everton will be Fulham’s final opponent before the November international break. After the break, the Cottagers will face a tough run of fixtures against Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Crystal Palace, and Burnley.
Chukwueze, who featured for Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic in October, will now be hoping to translate his national team form into consistent club performances as he edges closer to a full return.
