Watford manager Alessio Dionisi says the return of six first-team players from injury is a major squad boost, but none are ready for a full 90 minutes yet. The Hornets, who sit 20th in the Championship standings on just eight points from their opening ten matches, host bottom side Burnley at Vicarage Road on Saturday. The team's recent form, with two consecutive losses and a goal difference of minus 10, shows the need for reinforcements.
Soumaïla Coulibaly, Jordan Zemura, Martín Payero, Omar Traoré, Marc Bola and Travis Akomeah have all resumed first-team training after the international break. New signing Krepin Diatta, who joined as a free agent, is also available but has not played a competitive match since the World Cup. Dionisi praised the work of the medical staff, led by Dani Salazar, in getting the group back to fitness. The manager confirmed the returnees will be integrated over the next three days of training, with decisions on their involvement made alongside the sports science team. "It is better for us because now we have enough players to have two teams on the training pitch," the head coach told reporters.
Fitness to be managed carefully
Dionisi stressed the need for patience, citing a congested schedule and the importance of having a full squad for the long season. He said the immediate focus is on building the players' match fitness in increments, not risking a setback by rushing them into a full match. The increased options are a welcome change after Watford were unable to name a full bench in two of their final three matches before the break, a situation that severely limited tactical changes. Fans can monitor the full available squad as these players are phased back in.
Three still sidelined until November
Edoardo Bove, Jeremy Ngakia and Kwadwo Baah remain the only players unavailable. Dionisi stated that trio is likely to be ready after the next international break in November. Their continued absence, means the manager must still handle the upcoming fixtures with a slightly reduced group. The returns come at a critical time as Watford look to improve on a record of only one win in their last five league outings. Dionisi, who said he loves his job, is focused on turning the page. "I love my job, I love my work," he added. The Championship clash with Burnley, a key fixture in the early season fixtures list, kicks off at Vicarage Road on Saturday, October 10.
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