‘The worst thing that happened to us’ – Marco Silva on two key Fulham injuries after Man City defeat

Fulham boss Marco Silva admitted the worst thing about the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday was the injuries picked up by Tim Ream and Andreas Pereira.

Brazilian midfielder Pereira was stretched off following an awkward landing after battling with Manuel Akanji for the ball.

American defender Ream was taken off in the 21st minute and replaced by Issa Diop.

“The worst thing that happened to us this afternoon wasn’t the result. It was the two serious injuries in both situations,” said the Fulham boss.

“This is the worst thing that we take from this afternoon. Tim Ream probably not play any more this season. He’s broken his arm. Let’s hope Andreas Pereira’s isn’t so serious.

“With Mitro and the injury to Willian, with a short squad like this, it’s really tough to take.”

Despite Carlos Vinicius cancelling out Erling Haaland’s opener, Julian Alvarez won the game for Pep Guardiola’s side in the 36th minute.

“We started in the worst way possible against a top side. We conceded a penalty straight away,” Silva said.

“We were losing 1-0, but we showed the personality and the character to come back to balance and equalise the game in that moment.

“We had a clear plan for the game. We wanted to go through the centre of the pitch, with our wingers a little more inside.

“If you try to block certain areas, they will look to expose others. The players, they stuck to their plan and did it well.

“We obligate them in some moments in the match to come back as we know they are stronger when they build with three. We did it, and we created some chances and caused them some problems.”