The Hornets were unlikely to avoid any kind of injury set-back across a packed Sky Bet Championship Christmas schedule, and sure enough Head Coach Valérien Ismaël does have one or two fitness concerns heading towards tomorrow night’s Stoke City home fixture (Friday December 29, 7.45pm KO).
He remained tight-lipped for the most part, but explained that left-back Jamal Lewis – who left the field feeling the back of his leg just before the interval on Boxing Day – will miss at least two weeks’ action with a hamstring strain.
“He had a scan this morning (Thursday December 28) so we’re just waiting for the result,” confirmed Ismaël.
“I’m pretty sure he’ll miss out for this game and Plymouth. And for me, there’s no reason to take any risk with him because it would be too big.”
The Watford boss preferred to focus on a more realistic return date for Lewis, whose run of 17 consecutive starts will come to an end.
“I think we should look sensibly and make sure he is ready to go for us at QPR, the next league game after New Year’s Day,” he said.
Jeremy Ngakia’s long-term absence with a stress fracture of the ankle means James Morris, who’s been travelling with the matchday squad regularly but has not featured on the bench much of late, is likely to play a part against the Potters.
“We have some good options within the squad. James Morris is there in this position so we have a solution and he has shown he can perform for us earlier in the season,” added Ismaël of the young defender.
A reminder to supporters that kick-off is at 7.45pm for the Stoke City game; the last of this calendar year before the Golden Boys head to Plymouth Argyle – backed by nearly 1,500 fans – for a New Year’s Day clash.
