Kenny Tete to Miss Fulham vs Manchester United Due to Concussion

Alvaro Arbeloa has confirmed Kenny Tete will miss Fulham’s Premier League meeting with Manchester United on Sunday, with the Dutch defender still sidelined by concussion.

Fulham step back into league duty on the back of a chaotic 3-2 win over West Ham United in the EFL Cup, a result that gave Arbeloa his first real jolt of momentum since taking charge. He now chases his first Premier League victory at Craven Cottage – but he will have to do it without his senior right-back.

Arbeloa counts the cost before United visit

Tete, who took a blow to the head in the recent trip to Anfield, is following concussion protocols and has not yet been cleared to return.

“Tom is still recovering. Tete won’t be available. We need to see if Sess (Ryan Sessegnon) is available for Sunday,” Arbeloa said, speaking to Fulhamish.

On Tete’s situation, he added: “It’s a concussion after the ball hit him in the Anfield game, so he’s still not available. I think he’ll be ready for an international break. Unfortunately, he’s not ready for a Sunday.”

Ryan Sessegnon remains a doubt after missing Fulham’s last two competitive fixtures through injury, leaving Arbeloa with another selection question on the flanks.

Tete out, plans unchanged

Tete has long been regarded as Fulham’s first-choice right-back, even if that status has been less clear in the early weeks of Arbeloa’s reign. The 28-year-old came close to leaving in the final days of the summer window, with a move to Everton discussed, but the deal collapsed when Fulham were unable to secure a replacement.

His absence this weekend strips Arbeloa of experienced cover on the bench, yet it is not expected to alter the starting back four. Timothy Castagne is set to keep his place on the right side of defence, with the Belgian having quietly nailed down the role in recent weeks.

On the opposite flank, Antonee Robinson is due to continue at left-back regardless of Sessegnon’s fitness. Even if Sessegnon is passed fit in time, the England international is likely to be eased back rather than thrown straight into the starting XI.

Fulham’s defensive shape, then, should look familiar when Manchester United walk out at Craven Cottage. The question is whether that stability at the back, minus Tete, can finally deliver Arbeloa the league win his cup night at West Ham has demanded.