Silva wants January transfer deals done early

Fulham manager Marco Silva has offered a cautiously optimistic update on Antonee Robinson's recovery while admitting the club are entering a challenging period before the January transfer window.

With injuries stretching his options in key areas, Silva acknowledged that the squad's balance has shifted in recent weeks, particularly after Rodrigo Muniz's setback created further strain in a specialist position.

Speaking before Manchester City's visit Craven Cottage on Tuesday, Silva stressed that the club are already working behind the scenes to reinforce early in the window if possible. While he avoided committing to specific targets or numbers, the Fulham boss underlined the importance of smart, timely additions and the potentially transformative impact of Robinson's return in the second half of the campaign.

"We are positive that when he (Robinson) is back it will be not with setbacks, because we need him and he can be a very good 'signing' for us in the second half of the season," Silva said.

"Of course, we have this scenario of Rodrigo that creates a completely different situation in a really specific position, and a difficult position for us.

"I'm not going to put numbers [on signings]. We are working together - myself, my staff and the board - to see if you can do it and if you can do it quick, [in] the first days of the market."

Fulham are 15th in the Premier League, but back-to-back wins over Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur have given Silva's side breathing room, opening up a six-point cushion above the relegation zone. The momentum of that 2-1 victory at Spurs came at a cost, however, with match-winner Harry Wilson set to be assessed after being forced off late on with a tight hamstring.