Watford have received an injury update ahead of their home match against West Ham United this Saturday. Right-back Omar Traore is fit for selection, providing a boost for manager Tom Cleverley, but the squad is still missing five other players.
Yahoo Sports reported the news this week, confirming Traore's availability after he was substituted during last weekend's 1-1 draw at Wrexham. His return is timely as Watford prepare for a challenging fixture. Their recent form includes two wins from their last five league matches.
Marc Bola is unavailable with a hamstring problem. Winger Kwadwo Baah continues his recovery from a thigh injury. Defender Jeremy Ngakia is also sidelined with a hamstring issue. Young forward Jack Grieves is working his way back from a knee problem, and defender Travis Akomeah is out with a foot injury. Akomeah is expected to resume on-pitch training next week as part of his rehabilitation program. The full list of unavailable players is a concern for squad depth.
Traore's return offers a direct option at right-back, a position where cover has been needed. His availability means Cleverley has one more defensive choice for the weekend. However, the absences of Bola, Ngakia, and Akomeah limit defensive flexibility. In attack, the continued absence of Baah and Grieves reduces options from the bench. The manager may need to rely on players from the academy or adjust his tactical setup.
Following the West Ham match, Watford face a series of Championship games that will test their squad's resilience. They travel to face Middlesbrough next Tuesday before a home game against Preston North End the following Saturday. Managing player fitness through this period will be important. The club's injury situation highlights the physical demands of the Championship schedule. Fans can see the full calendar on our fixtures page.
Watford's injury list remains a significant factor as they approach a busy period. Cleverley will hope for more positive news on the recovery front in the coming weeks to bolster his options. For now, the focus is on preparing the available players for the challenge of facing Premier League opposition in West Ham.
