Fulham lineup vs. Southampton: Predicted XI for Premier League clash

Fulham manager Marco Silva has confirmed a devastating defensive injury blow ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Southampton at Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers lost Kenny Tete to a knee problem in last weekend's 2-2 draw with Liverpool, and the Fulham boss has now confirmed that the issue could sideline him for between eight and 10 weeks.

Tete joins Reiss Nelson (thigh) and Harrison Reed (knee) on Fulham's absentee list, which also includes Andreas Pereira, who was yellow-carded for the fifth time in the Premier League season at Anfield.

In brighter news, Tom Cairney and Calvin Bassey are available again after serving their own suspensions, and there is a good chance that centre-back Joachim Andersen will be fit to return from a calf injury.

Andersen and Bassey could now join forces in a new-look central partnership after Issa Diop and Jorge Cuenca started at Anfield, while Timothy Castagne will deputise for the stricken Tete on the right.

Cairney offers Silva an alternative option in the engine room, but Sander Berge and Sasa Lukic should reprise their roles on Sunday, where Emile Smith Rowe should be a like-for-like swap for the banned Pereira.

The hosts' attack should remain unaltered otherwise, as Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi are both set to support Raul Jimenez, who ought to hold his spot up front in spite of Rodrigo Muniz's goal as a substitute last weekend.

Fulham possible starting lineup: Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Iwobi, Smith Rowe, Wilson; Jimenez

> Click here to see how Southampton could line up for this game