Why Alex Iwobi Was Substituted Early in Fulham’s Win Over Leicester City
Alex Iwobi played well in the first half of Fulham’s 2-0 win over Leicester City on Saturday, but he was unexpectedly substituted at half-time.
Iwobi had a good first half, linking up well with teammates Antonee Robinson and Emile Smith Rowe, creating many chances for Fulham. This made his substitution at half-time surprising to many, including former Leicester City player Marc Albrighton, who was commenting on the game. Albrighton suggested that Iwobi might have been replaced due to a fitness issue, possibly an injury.
He said, “I think the change is because of an injury or a knock. Iwobi was brilliant in the first half, especially with Robinson and Smith Rowe on the left side. They created the best opportunities for Fulham, so I believe it must be an injury.”
After the match, Fulham’s coach Marco Silva explained why Iwobi was taken off. Silva confirmed that Iwobi had been feeling ill, having struggled with flu symptoms the night before the game. Despite this, Iwobi was assessed in the morning and cleared to play, but at half-time, he still wasn’t feeling well, so the decision was made to substitute him.
Silva said, “It wasn’t about his performance. He had flu symptoms last night, and we checked him in the morning, and he was okay to play. But at half-time, he didn’t feel well, so we decided to change him.”
Iwobi has been a key player for Fulham this season, starting every Premier League game and contributing to 10 goal involvements (7 goals, 3 assists), his best season so far.
