Watford are about to start their quest for Premier League survival following promotion with a difficult clash against Aston Villa. Both sides may be without a few notable players, though after the recent Watford injury update, the Hornets do not have too many causes for concern.
Watford Injury Update
Strikers Nearing Full Fitness
Joshua King signed for Watford in a free transfer following an unsuccessful spell with Everton. Having broken the double-digit barrier in the English top-flight twice already, the expectations for King are high. Although the opening match comes too soon for the former Bournemouth star, he is expected to be back in full training next week and might be available for the August 21 fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Watford’s young star Joao Pedro is further away from full fitness than King following a knee injury sustained in a closed-door friendly. However, with the emergence of Cucho Hernandez following his return from loan, the Hornets should have enough in the attack to be sufficiently threatening until the two injured forwards come back.
Nathaniel Chalobah Absent But Domingos Quina and Adam Masina Return
The club list Nathaniel Chalobah as out due to illness. However, with his Watford future up in the air considering his current contract situation, there is a slight chance the club is using that phrase to cover up for a potential departure.
Domingos Quina and Adam Masina returned to full training following absences in the club’s final pre-season fixture against Crystal Palace. Masina will look to beat Danny Rose to maintain the Watford starting left-back role. Quina, following a loan move to Granada, will want to impress Xisco Munoz before the closing of the transfer window. He may find himself with an important role at Vicarage Road this campaign as, especially after the departure of Philip Zinckernagel on loan to Nottingham Forest, the Hornets do not have another attacking midfielder with a skillset like his on their books.
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