QATAR WORLD CUP CAN BE REAL SILVA LINING FOR TOP PROS

MARCO SILVA dismissed concerns that his international players at Fulham will be trying to avoid injury in their four remaining games ahead of the World Cup next month.

Fulham have a number of players from their squad who could feature in the Qatar World Cup. Joao Palhinha, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Antonee Robinson, Kevin Mbabu, and Welsh trio Dan James, Harry Wilson and Luke Harris will all be hoping to make an impression in the Middle East.

“This is a new thing for all of us,” said Silva

(right). “Players, managers and football clubs, to have a World

Cup in the middle of a season.

“The players know how important it is for them to be well in their clubs because after the World Cup they will be in good shape, the confidence they will get.

“You don’t get this type of situation when you are not doing well at your football club.”

Fulham travel to Leeds and host Everton before facing the two Manchester clubs before the season halts for the World Cup.

Silva’s side are currently mid-table after a good start to the season and he insists his “good professionals” will not be affected by fear of injury.

“The good professionals, the guys that really take care of themselves, they will be in full focus of their football clubs,” he added. “I think we have some good examples of those players at our club.

“Some of them have had injuries in the last few games. Harry Wilson got injured in the game before the last international break, Mitro is another good example as well, he got injured on international duty as well.

“They are all playing with a will, and a desire to do the right things and show again how good they are.”

Fulham are searching for back-to-back wins for the first time this season at Elland Road, but will have to do so without winger James, who will not feature due to being on loan from

Leeds.