Fulham manager Marco Silva says the club is weighing January reinforcements as Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze get set to leave for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Iwobi and Bassey have been pivotal for the Portuguese manager, featuring in every Premier League match for the Cottagers since the campaign began.

Meanwhile, summer loan signing Samuel Chukwueze has made a strong impact off the bench, providing two assists so far, including the decisive pass for Raul Jiménez's winner against Sunderland.

Silva described the impending AFCON absences as a major challenge for the squad, stressing the need for reinforcements to maintain stability and avoid slipping into a relegation fight. 

He noted that injuries and squad depth issues have further highlighted the importance of strengthening the team during the winter window.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Portuguese manager revealed that recruitment plans are already underway.

"It is not just clear from my side but everyone in the club, what is necessary and what we are going to try and do in the next window," he said.

"Let's see what we can do in the market because it will be important to act in the window.

"As I mentioned, we are preparing in the present. We have been speaking every single day. Myself, with the CEO of the club, it is clear.

"It is not just because of last summer. We have some injuries that create different scenarios and AFCON, we are going to lose three players."

Nigeria, drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania and Uganda, are expected to call up the trio as they aim to bounce back from missing the 2026 World Cup and compete for the AFCON title after finishing second in the last edition. 

Adeyemi Adewale