Fulham will not have the services of star left back Antonee Robinson for its opening slate of English Premier League matches.
Robinson is continuing rehabilitation on his right knee after undergoing surgery at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. The veteran defender did not feature in any of the Cottagers preseason matches this summer and was also unavailable for the U.S. men’s national team’s involvement at the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Fulham manager Marco Silva isn’t expecting to have Robinson available for the opening weekend or the few weekends after.
“We had a situation last season with Antonee Robinson and he is still recovering,” said Silva during his prematch press conference. “Soon you are going to see him in contention for the games but this weekend is too early.”
Robinson starred for Fulham last season, registering 10 assists in 38 appearances across all competitions. His impressive campaign attracted reported interest from Liverpool and Manchester City, but the 28-year-old remained in West London.
Whether or not Robinson will be ready prior to the September FIFA window remains to be seen, but if he isn’t, Mauricio Pochettino might be looking elsewhere for left backs ahead of the USMNT’s pair of home friendlies.
Robinson hasn’t featured for the USMNT since November 2024 and remains a key loss in the squad.
Fulham opens its 2025-26 league schedule at Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday. The Cottagers will also face Manchester United, Bristol City (EFL Cup), and Chelsea before the September international break.
