Share

Watford fighting fit for Man City clash

Cape Town - Javi Gracia has praised Watford’s medical team for ensuring he has a full squad to choose from for Saturday’s trip to Manchester City.

The Hornets clinched a last-gasp 2-1 victory at home to Leicester City last time out and Gracia’s men will be aiming to continue their charge for a seventh-place finish when they travel to the Etihad Stadium.

However, Watford have lost the last nine meetings with City in all competitions, conceding 29 goals, whilst their last victory over the Citizens came back in April 1987.

Gracia does have every first-team player to choose from for the trip to Manchester and he has praised the club’s medical department.

“Today is a good day for me as I can tell you all my players are available for the next game,” he said at a press conference.

“It is good news for us because it speaks well about all the people working around the team: the medical staff, all the workers in different departments are helping us to stay in the best condition for the competitions.”

Manchester City have been handed a boost ahead of Saturday’s encounter against Watford with centre-back Aymeric Laporte back training.

The Frenchman was forced to withdraw midway through City’s Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea after picking up a hamstring injury in the first-half at Wembley.

Having made a return to first-team training, manager Pep Guardiola will have to make a decision whether Laporte is ready for the arrival of the Hornets at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.

Meanwhile, midfielder Fernandinho is set to miss out on the game as he continues to struggle with a muscle injury and is not expected back in a City shirt until after the international break.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE