Fulham have been handed a timely boost ahead of their Premier League trip to Liverpool, with Calvin Bassey declared fit and available for selection.

The Nigeria international had been a doubt after withdrawing from the Super Eagles squad for the March international friendlies due to a back issue, missing games against Iran and Jordan in Antalya.

His absence had raised concerns over his availability for Fulham’s crucial encounter at Anfield, but those fears have now been allayed.

Manager Marco Silva confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Bassey has fully recovered and is in contention to feature, providing a significant defensive boost for the visitors as they prepare to face the reigning champions.

Fulham also revealed that all of their international players returned to the club without any fitness issues, further strengthening Silva’s options ahead of the weekend fixture. The club, however, will be without Kenny Tete, Harrison Reed and Kevin for the trip.

“Fulham will be without Kenny Tete, Harrison Reed and Kevin for the trip to Liverpool on Saturday. However, all of our international players returned unscathed, and Calvin Bassey is also fit despite not meeting up with Nigeria due to a back issue,” the club said on their website.

Bassey has been a key figure for Fulham this season, starting 21 of the 25 Premier League matches he has been available for, while also contributing a goal and winning a penalty in their 3-1 victory over Sunderland in February.

His return is expected to bolster Fulham’s defensive stability, with fellow Nigeria internationals Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze also available after featuring in the recent international friendlies.

Fulham will now look to capitalise on the return of key personnel as they seek a positive result at Anfield against a Liverpool side aiming to arrest their recent dip in form.