Watford are due to face QPR at Loftus Road on Good Friday, in a three o’clock kick off live on Sky Sports.
In Ed Still’s press conference yesterday afternoon, the young manager confirmed that there is a list of absentees for the Hornets ahead of Good Friday’s clash.
James Abankwah made his debut for Ireland against North Macedonia in a friendly last night.
However, his debut was short and sweet. After coming on in the 61st minute, he sadly had to be replaced due to injury in the 83rd minute.
Speaking to the media, Still confirmed the defender’s injury, stating he has suffered a “dead leg”
He continued: “It’s a big dead leg which can react differently depending on the player and where the contact is.
“He is arriving back at the club tomorrow, so we’ll assess him. He could be back on the pitch tomorrow, or it might be too painful, and he might not be able to.”
However, the former Charleroi coach said Jeremy Petris could return after dislocating his shoulder against Sheffield Wednesday.
Speaking about him, the Hornets boss stated: “He’s back early. He should have been back at the end of next week, but he has realised how many injured players there are and has said that he can play through the pain and manage it”.
Only eleven first-team players trained on Wednesday afternoon as they continue to prepare for an away clash at Queens Park Rangers.
In addition to Abankwah’s injury, Marc Bola is a huge doubt with a hip injury heading into the game on Good Friday.
Still stated: “During last week’s training, he started to feel fatigue in the hip area, so there’s a big question mark about him, which puts a little bit of extra pressure on the full-back positions.”
This leaves problems in the full-back area, with Stephen Mfuni returning to Manchester City due to an ankle injury, as he could play in the left-back role, so he could have filled the void in that position.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Ngakia is “10 days away” from returning to team training, whilst Kwadwo Baah could return this Easter weekend after six weeks on the sidelines.
Injuries at full back could be costly, and QPR could exploit them here.
The only real option at right full back is Kevin Keben outside his usual starting position.
The Cameroon international has featured in that role this season, most recently at home to Millwall in January and away at Wrexham in mid December.
However, Still look to give the academy a go with Albert Eames playing in that role for the U21S.
At left full back, there is also a chance of vulnerability with Marc Bola’s new injury.
An option in that position is Saba Goglichidze, who hasn’t played there for Watford; however is able to play there out of his preferred role.
Watford will have to see how they fare without Bola and Abankwah as they head to Loftus Road on Friday afternoon.
