'Calvin did so well' – Fulham Boss confident Bassey can shine at left-back v Man Utd

Fulham manager Marco Silva has expressed confidence in Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey stepping up at left-back as the Cottagers prepare to face Manchester United, with doubts lingering over the fitness of Antonee Robinson and Ryan Sessegnon.

Bassey impressed in the role during Fulham's 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion in their Premier League opener at the American Express Stadium last Saturday, earning praise from his manager.

Silva revealed that both Robinson and Sessegnon remain uncertain for the encounter against United at Craven Cottage, stressing the need for caution in handling their recovery.

"We have to wait and see," Silva was quoted as saying by Fulham's official website. 

"We just finished one session now, we are going to have another one tomorrow. We have to take a decision related to both players. 

"They are very important for us, but the same time, we don't want to have any risk to lose them for longer."

Silva explained that Robinson, who is returning from surgery, has resumed training with the team, while Sessegnon has been nursing discomfort sustained in a pre-season friendly against Eintracht Frankfurt. 

Despite the uncertainty, Silva dismissed concerns over the depth in the position, highlighting Bassey's strong display against Brighton and the versatility of new signing Jorge Cuenca.

"If not, Calvin did so, so, so well, a great, great performance at left-back, and I think we are more than covered in that position, because even [Jorge] Cuenca can play there," Silva noted.

Bassey, who joined Fulham from Ajax in the summer of 2023, will be eager to justify his manager's faith with another commanding performance against Ruben Amorim's side. 

The Nigerian defender will look to take his impressive form into the Super Eagles camp as they gear up for the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa. 

The 25-year-old will be hoping to help the Super Eagles secure back-to-back wins to revive their qualification campaign for the tournament set to be staged across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Adeyemi Adewale

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