MARCO Silva has welcomed Alex Iwobi back into the fold for Fulham’s clash against Aston Villa at Craven Cottage on Saturday – but striker Raul Jimenez is expected to be out for another few weeks.
Iwobi returned to London this week after playing in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations last weekend. Iwobi started for Nigeria who lost 2-1 against hosts Ivory Coast.
“He’s very good mentally,” Silva said in his pre-match press conference on Friday. “Alex is a happy boy when he’s on the pitch doing what he loves. If you lose a game, you lose a game together. They did brilliantly until the final.”
Rodrigo Muniz is set to continue up front in the absence of Jimenez. Muniz has scored three goals in his last two games.
“I’m really pleased for him,” Silva said. “When you have the chance, you have to pop up and take that chance and Rodrigo did. Last week was his best performance in a Fulham shirt.”
Silva added: “It’s really positive, the mood during this week. We had a busy period in December and January. We are stronger now. When you have more of the squad available, it’s good for competition.
“People know what they’re going to face when they come to Craven Cottage. The fans play a big part and we hope that, together, we can keep the same form at home.”
