As the Championship resumes after the international break, all eyes are on Watford’s upcoming battle against local rivals Luton Town at Kenilworth Road. The Hornets secured a 2-1 victory over Middlesbrough in their previous match, sitting comfortably in 6th place. However, the return to action is clouded by injury concerns for both sides.
Watford’s Injury Updates Watford is seeing some positive movement on the injury front, with defender Jeremy Ngakia returning to the squad. Ngakia, who has had a rough time with injuries, is now back and ready to contribute. According to Watford coach Cleverley, Ngakia has been impressive in training, and his versatility makes him a valuable asset on either side of the defense. Cleverley stated, “Jeremy has been unlucky with injuries, but we believe he can be a big player for us if he stays fit.” This is great news for Watford as they prepare for a tough set of fixtures, including Leeds and Blackburn after Luton.
Another positive note for Watford is the return of goalkeeper Dan Bachmann. Bachmann, who picked up an injury in late September against Norwich City, is now fit and available. Cleverley emphasized that while Bachmann wasn’t out as long as Ngakia, the team won’t rush him into the Under-21 squad, ensuring he is match-ready for the senior team.
However, Watford is still missing some key defensive players. Francisco Sierralta and Kevin Keben remain sidelined. Sierralta is not quite ready, while Keben is still a few weeks away from returning to the field. Coach Cleverley admits that the team’s defense has been a bit stretched, and while Tikvic is training well, he’s still developing and might not get as much playing time this season.
Luton Town’s Injury Concerns On the Luton side, the news isn’t much better. Center-back Mark McGuinness had to withdraw from Republic of Ireland duty due to injury, casting doubt on his availability for the weekend clash. McGuinness, who signed from Cardiff City over the summer, has been a key part of the Luton defense, so his potential absence could leave a gap in the backline.
Midfielder Shandon Baptiste recently returned for Luton in their game against Sheffield United, but the team still has several other players in question. Tahith Chong and Carlton Morris are set to undergo late fitness tests, while Mads Andersen and Daiki Hashioka remain sidelined. To make matters worse, midfielder Liam Walsh is suspended for the upcoming match, leaving Luton with some big decisions to make in terms of squad selection.
What’s Next for Both Teams? This weekend’s game is a crucial one, with both teams hoping to gain an edge in the Championship table. Watford, with their returning players, may have the upper hand, but Luton’s fighting spirit and home advantage at Kenilworth Road will certainly make things interesting. With injury concerns for both sides, it could be a game that hinges on depth and tactical adjustments.
The stakes are high, and both teams are battling to field their best squads despite their injury troubles. Fans can expect a thrilling encounter as these two rivals meet once again, each hoping to claim bragging rights.