Centre-back duo ruled out of Tottenham-Fulham clash

Senior Fulham centre-back duo Alfie Mawson and Tim Ream have been ruled out of Saturday’s clash against Tottenham, it has been confirmed.

Cottagers manager Jokanovic revealed at his media conference on Thursday, as quoted by the official Fulham Twitter account, that Mawson and Ream are still out with the injuries that sidelined them from the 2-0 opening day defeat against Crystal Palace.

Jokanovic explained that the defenders are not training with the first-team squad ahead of the short trip to Wembley, while right-back Denis Odoi misses out due to suspension.

.@Jokanovic: “We have some problems with our centre-backs. Tim Ream and Alfie Mawson aren’t working with us, and Denis Odoi is suspended.”

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 16, 2018

OPINION

Fulham are not quite down to the bare bones in defence. Following extensive summer recruitment, Jokanovic can still call upon Arsenal loanee Calum Chambers and £5million signing Maxime Le Marchand. However, there is no doubt that Mawson, who joined Fulham for £20million from Swansea during the window, would be the first choice centre-back if he was fit. The outstanding player for Swansea during their relegation campaign, the 24-year-old underwent knee surgery in the summer and is still on the recovery path that may continue until after the international break. USA international Ream was an absolute rock for Fulham in their promotion campaign last season and he would probably be Mawson’s first-choice partner if he was available for action. With Odoi also out, Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen and company will never have a better chance to put a cobbled-together back line to the sword.