Team News: Huddersfield Town

By: Watford FC Staff

Will Hughes played 90 minutes for the first time this season on Saturday – and Xisco Muñoz is convinced the midfielder will soon be making his mark once more in the Championship.

The Head Coach did not confirm whether the 25-year-old will retain his starting place at Vicarage Road on Saturday though, keeping his cards typically close to his chest ahead of the visit of Huddersfield Town.

“Will is an important player in our squad," said the Spaniard. “We have two games in the next week and we will see when his moment is. It’s important, we know exactly what he can give us and I’m sure we can see the best version of him.”

Nathaniel Chalobah was withdrawn early against the Red Devils but trained this week, whereas Christian Kabasele and Isaac Success remain unavailable despite stepping up their recoveries.

“Right now, he [Chalobah] is okay," said Muñoz. "We have good news today and we will see what happens for the game, whether he plays or not.

“About Kabasele, we need a little more time, maybe two or three weeks. Isaac also needs time. They are working very well, I’m very happy with the work they do, but they need minimum two or three weeks.”

Troy Deeney and Tom Cleverley were absent from the FA Cup game at Old Trafford, but Muñoz confirmed he was simply giving two senior players a break ahead of the fixture list ramping up again.

“It was a tactical decision, because it’s important everybody knows they are people,” said the Head Coach. “They are fantastic people, and they are strong, but also they are people and sometimes they need rest. It was my decision.”

Meanwhile Craig Cathcart returned to full training last week, while Domingos Quina was just starting to run outside. Stipe Perica’s return date is unknown.

Hive Live: Watford v Huddersfield Town

Hive Live will bring you an exclusive João Pedro interview on our pre-match show from 2pm on Saturday, with punditry from Gifton Noel-Williams alongside Emma Saunders. Secure your match pass HERE to watch or listen to the game from kick-off at 3pm!

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