Watford have been handed a timely injury boost ahead of the crucial Premier League clash against Newcastle United on Saturday.
The Magpies will leapfrog Claudio Rainieri’s side in the table with a win at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe’s side will be bolstered by the signings of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood, but the Hornets have also made some signings of their own, and they also received some positive news on the injury front.
Key player returns for Watford
Top goalscorer Emmanuel Dennis is among four first team players who have returned to training this week.
The Nigerian has eight goals and five assists from 17 Premier League games so far this season Only Mohamed Salah (25) has been involved in more goals than Dennis (13).
Newcastle fans may have been hoping that Dennis, who missed last weekend’s FA Cup loss against Leicester, would have been at the African Cup of Nations with the Nigeria side.
But the 24-year-old, who was signed in the summer from Club Brugge, was not released by Watford because the Nigerian federation did not request him for the tournament in time (Sky Sports).
Ben Foster has returned to training and could be available for selection. The goalkeeper hasn’t featured since November due to a groin injury.
Kiko Femenia and Christian Kabasele have also returned to full training and all four players will be assessed before Watford travel to the north east tomorrow.
Watford’s new signings Hassane Kamara, Edo Kayembe and Samir have all trained this week and are in contention for the trip to Tyneside.
One man who won’t be available for the Hornets is Ismaïla Sarr, who scored in the 1-1 draw between the sides at Vicarage Road in September.
The Senegalese international is currently in Spain working on his rehabilitation programme for a knee injury.
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