Marco Silva hits back at Arsenal claim after Martin Odegaard injury

Fulham manager Marco Silva has dismissed suggestions that Arsenal will struggle due to injuries this season.

Mikel Arteta’s side travel to Craven Cottage for Saturday’s 5:30pm kick-off but will be without Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Fulham, meanwhile, have Rodrigo Muniz sidelined due to injury, while Raul Jimenez is also a doubt for the game against Arsenal.

However, Silva insists Arsenal can have no complaints over their lack of squad depth, even with several key players ruled out.

‘They don’t have Madueke, they have [Bukayo] Saka, it’s not bad, not bad at all,’ Silva said.

‘The other one you said was Havertz? They have [Viktor] Gyokeres who cost them £75m. I think it’s a waste of time if you’re going to compare.’

When it was suggested that Arsenal will also be without Odegaard, Silva replied: ‘They have Eze who is not bad too, I think you have to move on.’

Silva went on to add: ‘I think it’s clear, with the long-term injury of Gabriel Jesus last season, they didn’t have Havertz, without them it was more difficult. I saw them playing with another player there with Merino, Trossard.

‘They had this issue last season with Havertz and Jesus, what they did they saw it, analysed it and signed Gyokeres. Even with the injury to Havertz and Gabriel Jesus they are ready to start with a striker, and about Saka it’s more or less the same thing, with Odegaard it’s more or less the same thing.

‘I think they can adapt to these unfortunate moments that all the teams have, like we have right now, probably the worst in my time at the club because we never had both strikers out at the same time, they are showing they have the conditions to handle it and deal with it so the level does not drop.’

Silva also says he is unsurprised by the strong start Arsenal have made to the season as Arteta’s side sit a point clear of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.

‘Looking at the last season, the way they increased their depth, in terms of quality, I think it’s clear for everyone,’ Silva said.

‘I gave you three examples, three who won’t be involved and the quality they are showing in other positions.

‘They are a very, very, very strong squad. I think it shows the way they started the season as well and the way they have been playing.

‘It’s not a surprise for anyone how solid they are, probably with one of the best partnerships in terms of central defenders in the Premier League and probably in Europe, and the quality around the place in their squad.

‘I don’t think it’s new. Last season they were very strong as well and two seasons ago as well. The reality is that recently they have been very tough to play against.’

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