Kenny Tete Ruled Out for Man United Clash as Arbeloa Faces Selection Dilemma

Alvaro Arbeloa’s first Premier League win as Fulham manager will have to be earned without one of his most reliable defenders.

Kenny Tete has been ruled out of Sunday’s clash with Manchester United at Craven Cottage, with Arbeloa confirming the right-back is still following concussion protocols after a heavy knock at Anfield.

“Tom is still recovering. Tete won’t be available. We need to see if Sess (Ryan Sessegnon) is available for Sunday,” Arbeloa told Fulhamish, laying out a mixed medical bulletin before one of the marquee fixtures of Fulham’s season.

The manager then clarified the situation around Tete. The Dutchman suffered a concussion when the ball struck him in the recent game at Liverpool and has yet to be cleared to return.

“It’s a concussion after the ball hit him in the Anfield game, so he’s still not available. I think he’ll be ready for an international break. Unfortunately, he’s not ready for a Sunday.”

Fulham’s right flank reshaped

Tete’s absence removes a familiar name from the teamsheet but, crucially for Arbeloa, it does not tear up his plans.

For years, Tete has been the default choice at right-back, a steadying presence in a side that has shifted managers and systems. Under Arbeloa, though, the hierarchy has subtly changed. The 28-year-old has not been an automatic starter in the early weeks of the new regime.

That shift softens the blow. Timothy Castagne is expected to keep his place on the right of the back four, having quietly established himself as the new first pick in that role. The Belgian’s versatility and engine make him a natural fit for Arbeloa’s approach, and Sunday’s selection is unlikely to spring any surprises there.

Where the injury does bite is in depth. Without Tete, Fulham will go into the game with no specialist right-back on the bench. One knock, one red card, and Arbeloa would be forced into a reshuffle, with makeshift solutions rather than like-for-like changes.

Sessegnon question lingers, Robinson locked in

On the opposite flank, the picture is only slightly clearer.

Ryan Sessegnon remains a doubt after missing Fulham’s last two competitive matches through injury. Arbeloa admitted they are still waiting to see whether the winger-turned-full-back can prove his fitness in time for United’s visit.

Even if he does, Antonee Robinson’s place is secure. The American has been one of Fulham’s most consistent performers and will continue at left-back, with Sessegnon viewed more as competition and tactical variety than a direct threat to Robinson’s status.

Momentum from the cup, reality in the league

All of this unfolds against the backdrop of a much-needed injection of confidence. Fulham arrive at this fixture on the back of a dramatic 3-2 win over West Ham United in the EFL Cup, a result that gave Arbeloa his first real statement since taking charge.

Now comes the harder part: translating cup adrenaline into league points.

With Tete sidelined, Sessegnon touch-and-go, and no natural right-back cover on the bench, Arbeloa’s options are narrowed. His margin for error against Manchester United is just as tight.