Team News: Southampton

By: Watford FC Staff

The Hornets have no new injury concerns going into Sunday’s fixture against Southampton, but Nigel Pearson confirmed there is likely to be more rotation as the squad looks to manage a hectic schedule in extreme temperatures.

Only Gerard Deulofeu (cruciate ligament), Daryl Janmaat (knee) and Isaac Success (Achilles) are definitely ruled out for this weekend’s return to Vicarage Road.

“No injury concerns, but we’ll have a look again at whether players have picked up anything that’s not necessarily a major problem,” said the Head Coach.

“The loading of players playing in the types of heat we’ve been playing in is something we need to be aware of.

“Sure, we don’t have a very quick turnaround for the next game, but we’re all dealing with the same situation so it will be a continuation of our recovery and the ones who need extra work will get it.”

Abdoulaye Doucouré and Roberto Pereyra both featured for more than an hour against Leicester City before starting on the bench at Turf Moor last night (Thursday).

Pearson expects the depth of the squad to be essential in the final seven matches and needs everyone, when they are picked, to be at their very best.

“We need a big contribution from everybody, I can’t always guarantee pitch time to players because it really is about competition,” he said.

“It’s about players, when called upon, bringing their best to the team.

“We will look at how the players are today and tomorrow, and the selection will be governed by what I feel is the best team to go out there on Sunday and try to get a result for us, to try to get a home win.”

Pearson understands the challenges these 30-degree temperatures can cause and is cautious not to risk losing players to injury, but says the team are prepared to deal with whatever is thrown at them.

“The players have just coped with it very well, the fitness levels are good, you’ve got to deal with playing in the warm and hot weather because it’s the same for everybody,” he said.

“What it does create is sometimes recovery issues for players, because games like last night, players who played the full duration of the game will certainly need to make sure every part of their recovery is right.

“It’s not straightforward turning around from one game to the next, but it’s something we have to deal with, and we will deal with it.”

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