Speaking to FFCtv after his side's come from behind 2-1 win over Stoke City in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday, Fulham coach Marco Silva explained why it was impossible to leave Alex Iwobi out of the starting lineup.

Interestingly, the Portuguese tactician made ten changes from the side that lost 3-0 to Manchester City on Wednesday night, with Iwobi the only player that retained his place in the starting lineup.

As a result of the squad rotation, Calvin Bassey found himself on the bench while Samuel Chukwueze didn't make the matchday squad. 

Since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, Iwobi has been one of Fulham’s most relied-upon players, featuring for 448 of a possible 450 minutes across all competitions.

Silva revealed that Iwobi had to be in the starting lineup owing to squad limitations.

"Alex, another game, it was not possible to rest him. Probably it was a good game to rest him, but we don’t have many solutions to do so, and the backline was solid enough,” Marco Silva said.

After Stoke City broke the deadlock, Iwobi came close to marking his 100th appearance for Fulham with a goal, but his header drifted just inches wide of the left post.

Since the start of the 2025–2026 season, the Hale End Academy graduate has appeared in a total of 35 matches for both club and country.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel