Aleksandar Mitrovic is among six Fulham players who are doubts for Saturday’s Championship match with Preston due to illness.
The Serbian striker and club captain Tom Cairney were absent from Fulham’s 0-0 draw with Derby County on Wednesday night after a group players contracted a non-Covid related illness, including Harry Wilson, Harrison Reed, Antonee Robinson and Bobby De Cordova-Reid.
Wilson, Reed and Robinson started the match against Derby, while De Cordova-Reid was an unused substitute.
In a separate issue, goalkeeper Marek Rodak also missed out due to Covid-19 protocols.
Head coach Marco Silva confirmed during Thursday’s press conference that while Rodak would be available, the six players afflicted by illness would need to be assessed before Saturday’s trip to Preston.
“Of course after the game they were worse, because they made a big effort and weren’t in the best condition,” said Silva. “We have to check tomorrow.”
“It wasn’t the perfect scenario. On Saturday Bobby didn’t feel well in the morning. On Sunday there was one. Monday one or two more. Tuesday one more and Wednesday one more. We prepared in one way, but on the matchday we had the situation of Marek (Rodak), and Mitrovic who was the last one.
“For me it won’t be an excuse, I’m here to find solutions. It was not because of it that we didn’t (beat Derby).”
On Rodak, Silva said that it was due to EFL protocols that the goalkeeper could not feature against Derby. Rodak was found to be a contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19 while flying back from international duty last week.
“It was strange. We knew the day before. In that period we had some information that it would be OK. Then they came back and said it would be impossible for him to play.
“It is a little bit strange as we are talking about a player who played some days before, and that can train with the team. He’s allowed to train with his team-mates, to be around (the training ground), but can’t play the match.
“But OK, they are the rules, the protocol is there. I don’t want to talk about it, it’s gone. He’ll be available for the next match. But a strange situation.”
(Photo: Getty Images)
