Injury boost for Watford as six players return to fitness

Watford have been boosted by the return of six first-team players ahead of their Championship clash against Burnley.

The Hornets struggled for player availability in the opening matches of the season, and they currently find themselves in 20th place in the Championship table.

After the extended international break, Soumaïla Coulibaly, Jordan Zemura, Martín Payero, Omar Traoré, Marc Bola and Travis Akomeah were all able to join first-team training. Head coach Alessio Dionisi has praised the work of his medical staff for their efforts in getting his players back to a clean bill of health.

“The medical staff led by Dani Salazar have done a fantastic job,” said Dionisi.

“It was not easy for any of us before the break with so few players, but we have slowly recovered some players and now we have more options.

“Now I must decide with the medical and sports science team when these players will be ready to play and for how long.

“For sure we need them, but we need to be patient and careful as we have lots of games in a short period and we need all the players for a long season.”

Edoardo Bove, Jeremy Ngakia and Kwadwo Baah are the only players unavailable for the Hertfordshire based side, who will be looking to put some breathing space between themselves and the relegation zone when they take on bottom side Burnley.