Tomorrow's home game with Preston should see return of the Chak
After missing his first Championship game of the season on Saturday, Giorgi Chakvetadze is expected to be back involved when Preston visit Vicarage Road tomorrow night (Tuesday).
While Watford were beating Derby 2-0 on Saturday, the Georgian was having a scan to check out some discomfort in the hamstring area.
However, the results were good and Chakvetadze returns to the squad.
“Giorgi’s scan was really positive and it’s highly likely that he’ll be back in the frame for tomorrow,” said Tom Cleverley.
“Jonathan Bond has trained today as well, so that is positive news.
“Imran is in great sprits despite playing through a bit of pain, and it’s not affecting his performances.
“Other than that there were no new fresh concerns to come out of the Derby game.”
Chakvetadze has been talismanic for the Hornets this season, and yet the win on Saturday was achieved without him.
“I thought the lads did really well to make sure we didn’t miss him,” said Cleverley.
“Rocco did his job perfectly – his out of possession responsibilities and all that he brings to our team in how direct he is with his hunger to score goals.
“It showed we have good options if Giorgi isn’t fit or he needs rotating out.
“But let’s not beat around the bush, we are a better side with Giorgi and he’s one of the best players in the league.
“I’m glad that his scan showed positive news.”
Tom Dele-Bashiru made his return to action at Pride Park after three months out through injury.
“He came out of Saturday’s game well,” Cleverley observed.
“It’s obviously a week where we are busy, and an area of the pitch where I have strength.
“Luckily we aren’t relying on Tom playing back-to-back 90 minutes, and we will rotate now and again in that position because he’s been out for a long time.
“The stats show that when Tom plays he gives us a much better chance of winning.
“He’s got a very good win ratio when he plays in the team, and I’m really happy he’s back as it’s a bit like having a new signing.”
Moussa Sissoko started on the bench, but replaced Dele-Bashiru at the break and played further forward than usual.
“It’s something he did at Nantes and I thought we saw the best of Moussa on Saturday,” said Cleverley.
“To have his power and his ability to time his runs in that area of the pitch, he’s unselfish and he showed real good qualities with his through-balls and assist.
“I was really pleased with his performance and he gives us that option.”
