Fulham boss Marco Silva has lamented over the possibility of being without the club’s loanee, Samuel Chukwueze, for at least 15 days due to the forthcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Naija News reports that Chukwueze came off the bench to spark life into the second half of Fulham’s Premier League clash with Manchester City on Tuesday. The Nigerian midfielder scored twice to record his first pair of goals for the club. Unfortunately, his effort wasn’t enough as Fulham fell 5-4 at the hands of their visitors at Craven Cottage.

The Nigerian international is expected to bring the form to the Super Eagles camp ahead of the 2025 AFCON, which will kick off on December 21 in Morocco.

Following Fulham’s defeat to Manchester City, Silva praised Chukwueze for his eye-catching performance. The coach admitted he was delighted with the Nigerian’s impact, although he expressed concern about losing the winger again to international duty.

“He’s getting better and better. Unfortunately, we’re going to lose him in 15 days like we have three times in the last three months, but it is what it is, and till then we have to get the best from him and let’s hope we can do it on Sunday again,” he told the club’s official website.

The result tightened the pressure at the top of the Premier League table, with Manchester City cutting Arsenal’s lead to two points.

Former Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel believes City are now firmly back in the chase and will eventually overhaul Mikel Arteta’s side. Speaking after City’s win, he backed Guardiola’s team to rise through the spring run-in.

He told talkSPORT: “I think Man City will catch Arsenal.

“I think Arsenal are the best team right now, I think they play the best football.

“But I think when it gets to March and April, and they’re still going in Europe and the FA Cup, if they get one or two of the wrong injuries.

“Man City has already fallen down, they’re on the mend, they’ve had their psychological dip, and I think they’re going to start coming up.”

Naija News reports that Arsenal will host Brentford at 8:30 p.m. tonight. Victory in the game would restore the Gunners’ five-point cushion.

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