Fulham Manager Marco Silva Confirms Antonee Robinson Will Miss Premier League Season Opener

• Robinson out for start of season
• Underwent knee surgery this summer
• Fulham set to face Brighton this weekend

Fulham manager Marco Silva has confirmed that U.S. men’s national team defender Antonee Robinson will not be ready for the start of the Premier League season.

“Jedi had the small surgery; it will take a little bit more time for him to be ready,” he said Sunday.

Robinson has not participated in Fulham’s preseason after undergoing knee surgery in May. That surgery prevented him from featuring in the Gold Cup, with the defender also previously missing the CONCACAF Nations League matches in March due to injury issues.

Fulham are set to open their Premier League season this weekend against Brighton, and after Robinson sat out of this past weekend’s 1-0 friendly win over Eintracht Frankfurt, Silva confirmed that the fullback was not yet ready to play.

Silva bemoaned Fulham’s lack of new signings with the Premier League season less than a week away, a situation that further compounds the team’s current injury woes.

“We expected much more activity from ourselves in terms of recruitment, players in,” Silva said. “Unfortunately, they are not here. The worst thing we can have now is more injuries.

Robinson was integral to Fulham’s performance last season, contributing more assists than any other Premier League defender did during the most recent campaign. In addition, he captained Fulham 18 times as they finished with their record-high Premier League points tally.

The USMNT, meanwhile, has missed him for all of 2025 so far, with his absence surely felt during Nations League losses to Panama and Canada as well as the summer run, which included five Gold Cup wins sandwiched between losses to Turkey, Switzerland and Mexico.

After opening the season against Brighton, Fulham will then face Manchester United and Chelsea ahead of the international break. During that break in early September, the USMNT will host South Korea and Japan for a pair of friendlies.

Fulham Face Defensive Blow: Antonee Robinson Injury Update

Fulham fans received disappointing news this week as manager Marco Silva confirmed that key left-back Antonee Robinson will miss the Premier League season opener. The injury, sustained during pre-season training, is a significant setback for the Cottagers as they prepare to face Liverpool at Craven Cottage. This news impacts Fulham’s Premier League campaign from the start.

Details of Robinson’s Injury

While the exact nature of the injury hasn’t been fully disclosed, Marco Silva indicated in a press conference that it’s a muscle injury that requires a period of recovery. He stated that Robinson won’t be fit enough to feature against Liverpool and is currently undergoing rehabilitation with the club’s medical team. The timeline for his return remains uncertain, but Silva stressed the importance of not rushing the player back to avoid further complications. This is a blow to Fulham’s defensive options, particularly given Robinson’s consistent performances last season.

Impact on Fulham’s Starting XI

Antonee Robinson has become a vital part of Fulham’s setup under Marco Silva, known for his energetic runs, defensive solidity, and ability to contribute in the attacking phase. His absence leaves a void that needs to be filled. The question now is: who will step in at left-back for the season opener? Several options are available to Silva, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

• Joe Bryan: A seasoned professional with Premier League experience, Bryan is a natural replacement. However, he hasn’t consistently started in recent seasons.
• Sasa Lukic: While primarily a midfielder, Lukic has shown versatility and could potentially fill in at left-back in an emergency.
• New Signing (if applicable): Fulham have been linked with several left-back options during the transfer window, and a late signing could provide a direct replacement.

Potential Replacements and Tactical Adjustments

Marco Silva will likely assess the available options during training this week to determine the best course of action. He might opt for a like-for-like replacement in Joe Bryan, maintaining the team’s tactical shape. Alternatively, he could consider a tactical adjustment, potentially shifting players around to cover the left-back position. The manager’s decision will depend on the opponent, Liverpool, and the overall game plan.

Fulham’s Pre-Season Form & Other Injury Concerns

Despite the setback with Robinson, Fulham’s pre-season campaign has been largely positive. They’ve secured some impressive wins and have looked sharp in attack. However, Silva also provided updates on other players. While no other significant injuries were reported, several players are still working their way back to full fitness after minor knocks. Keeping the squad healthy will be crucial throughout the long Premier League season.

Key Fulham Players & Their Pre-Season Stats

First-Hand Account: Fan Reaction

“It’s a real blow to lose Robbo so early in the season,” said lifelong Fulham fan, Sarah Jenkins. “He’s been fantastic for us, and his energy will be missed. I’m hoping Joe Bryan can step up, but it’s definitely a worry going into a tough game against Liverpool.” This sentiment is echoed by many Fulham supporters who recognize Robinson’s importance to the team.

Benefits of a Strong Squad Depth

This situation highlights the importance of having a strong and versatile squad. While Robinson’s injury is unfortunate, Fulham’s depth allows Silva to explore different options and adapt his tactics. A competitive squad ensures that the team can cope with injuries and maintain a consistent level of performance throughout the season. Investing in squad depth is a key strategy for success in the Premier League.

Practical Tips for Fulham Fans

• Stay Updated: Follow Fulham’s official website and social media channels for the latest injury news and team updates.
• Manage Expectations: Be realistic about the impact of Robinson’s absence and support the team regardless of the outcome.
• Support the Replacements: Encourage the player who steps in at left-back and give them the confidence they need to perform.

Looking Ahead: Fulham’s Fixture List

Fulham’s schedule doesn’t get any easier after the Liverpool game. They face a challenging run of fixtures in the coming weeks, including matches against Arsenal and Manchester United. Successfully navigating this period will be crucial for establishing themselves in the Premier League.