Marco Silva will be giving his players as long as possible to prove their fitness before selecting his team to face Newcastle United.
Following an intense international period, which involved a number of players facing long flights home this week, there is still plenty of assessments to be done ahead of Saturday.
“One is suspended and we have some knocks, some guys that we have to keep assessing for tomorrow’s match,” Silva said in his pre-match press conference. “Not 100 per cent sure about some.
“The only ones we’re 100 per cent sure will not be involved are João Palhinha, Harry Wilson and Manor Solomon. The others we have to assess in the next hours, and tomorrow as well, to decide.”
Considering his start to life in SW6, Palhinha’s absence is a huge blow as he serves a one-game ban for accruing five yellow cards.
“He's important player for us, no doubt about it,” Silva said of his compatriot. “He’s settled really well.
“No surprise for me. I know him very well. I expected a quick adaptation from him. I think the Premier League suits him really well.
“João is one of the players that settled really well, showing his quality. Unfortunately, he will not be there, so another one has to pop up and show his quality as well.”
Antonee Robinson missed our last match through injury but has since returned to training.
He is one of the group still being assessed, but Silva will have Layvin Kurzawa available if needed.
“We have to assess [Robinson] again,” he explained. “Let's see. He’s doubtful for tomorrow.
“He’s trained with us some days during this week, and let's see.
“Let's see what I will decide tomorrow.”
