Nathaniel Chalobah is set to return to the squad from a knee problem for the Premier League match at Newcastle, Watford manager Javi Gracia has confirmed.
The England midfielder has been out of action since returning from international duty as he managed a minor fitness problem.
Hornets boss Gracia revealed the 23-year-old, who fought his way back from a serious knee problem which sidelined him for most of last season, had been able to train ahead of the trip to St James’ Park.
“He was disappointed after he came back from national because he felt a little pain and last week he wasn’t available,” Gracia said.
“This week he has trained with the team and is fit and ready to play. We have lots of good players and Chalobah is one of them.”
Forward Troy Deeney has missed the past two matches because of a hamstring problem and remains doubtful.
Watford head to struggling Newcastle on the back of a 3-0 win over Huddersfield, which secured a best-ever start to a top-flight season and sees Gracia’s team in seventh place.
“After two wins, all the players feel confidence to play the next game,” Gracia said at a press conference reported by the club.
“We know if we play 100 per cent we are able to win the next game, but if we don’t Newcastle can beat you.
“It’s about our mentality, day by day, to be focused on the next game. We need to be very demanding on the next game to have the chance to get points.”
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