Hamstring issue for Giorgi while Bond injury may expedite keeper search
A hamstring problem, though hopefully not a serious issue, meant Giorgi Chakvetadze was not in the starting line-up for a league game for the first time this season.
The Georgian was having a scan to get a clearer idea of what the issue is while his teammates were beating Derby 2-0.
“I should have an update on him on the journey home because Giorgi has had a scan this afternoon on a hamstring issue,” explained Tom Cleverley.
“We’re hoping it’s just muscle fatigue from the amount of games he’s played for club and country this season.
“He has looked a little bit tired in his last couple of performance and we’re hoping it’s just muscle fatigue and nothing more.”
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Jonathan Bond will also need to be checked over after ending the game unable to take goal kicks.
“Again, hopefully it’s not anything major,” said Cleverley, who said that the result of assessing Bond’s injury may require the club to get another goalkeeper in ahead of Tuesday’s home game with Preston.
“He didn’t take kicks in training yesterday either, so it was something we were aware of.
“Obviously losing Dan we hope that what he’s done is nothing too serious.”
Imran Louza, whose goal was his first for Watford since the opening day of last season, is continuing to play through the pain.
“He’s playing with a heavy strapping, and I think that shows how much Imran has developed as a character,” Cleverley pointed out.
“He is playing through a lot of pain right now and putting his body on the line for the club.
“I’ve had the persistent knee issue he’s had – but then I’ve had pretty much everything as a player – and he’s got a knee ligament issue that is painful to play through.
“But he’s doing that and, like everybody today, is wanting to put his body on the line for the football club.”
One perhaps surprise omission from the 20-man matchday squad was Festy Ebosele.
“He had a small niggle that we didn’t risk him for, but there is also a lot of competition in that area of the pitch also.
“Between Andrews, Ebosele, Larouci, Morris, and Abankwah we have a lot of competition and I don’t need to have five in that area to come with us.
“These players know how much I value training and hard work, and if you don’t show that then it’s going to be an uphill task.
“I thought it was the right game to include Amin on the bench with the lack of attacking options that we had, and how well he did in the FA Youth Cup in the week.
“He’s a real exciting player and I expect to see him with the first team on a more regular basis.”
