Tete back in training but City game is too soon, says Parker

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Fulham face Manchester City on Saturday with a full squad minus long-term absentees Kenny Tete and Terence Kongolo.

But right-back Tete is making progress in his recovery from an Achilles injury and has been back in training this week.


“It’s a bit too early for him,” said head coach Scott Parker. “He’s been back only four or five days in training, but everyone else is fit.”

However, when it comes to choosing a captain, the boss reckons it’s the least of his priorities.

Joachim Andersen wore the armband in the 2-0 win over Leicester on Monday because neither Tom Cairney nor Aleksandar Mitrovic were on the pitch.

Parker said: “I’ve not really thought about it (the captaincy). Joachim was the captain because others weren’t on the pitch.

“My main focus is putting a team together for a tough game. I can’t imagine we’re going there and dominating.

“Arguably this is one of the toughest games of the year.”

Fulham and Parker have it all to do at The Etihad Stadium, especially bearing in mind the Whites’ past five games against City have all ended in defeat, with 16 goals conceded and none scored.

But he still fancies his chances of producing a sizeable shock.

“If you go there with the right frame of mind and build your moments, you can get a result,” he said.

“After all, it’s football and we’ve shown we can get a result when we’re at our best.”