Liverpool legend, Michael Owen, has lamented the imminent absence of the likes of Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey from the Fulham team in the period they will be joining their national team for the Africa Cup of Nations.
He believes that Fulham will struggle without the trio as Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle opens the team’s camp iin Cairo on Sunday.
The trio, who have been so impressive for the English Premier league side this season, were pivotal in Fulham’s 3-2 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday.
Iwobi has played all 16 games in the Premier League for Fulham this season, while Bassey has started 15.
Chukwueze has also become regular since joining from AC Milan on loan and Owen feels that their absence will leave Fulham navigating a congested fixture list with fewer options.
“It’s really interesting. Some teams are going to struggle more than others, or be more depleted than others,” Owen said on Premier League Productions.
“Obviously, Fulham are losing three players; that’s going to hit them hard, but there are worse-off teams in the league.”
Should Nigeria make it to the final of the competition this years, Chukwueze, Bassey and Iwobi will miss as much as eight games for Fulham.
EPL: Michael Owen pities Fulham as Iwobi, Chukwueze, Bassey depart for AFCON
