Mathias Ranegie could make his Watford debut against Manchester City on Saturday after Hornets boss Beppe Sannino confirmed the striker would be included in the squad.

When Ranegie joined Watford on a permanent deal from Udinese at the start of January, he was still shaking off a hamstring injury and the 6ft 5 striker has spent the last two weeks regaining sharpness.

Ranegie is now close to 100 per cent fitness and Sannino told the Watford Observer today (Thursday) the 6ft 5 striker would be in the squad for the FA Cup fourth round tie.

Watford will be without midfielders Lewis McGugan (thigh) and Iriney (groin) after they picked up muscle injuries against Bournemouth.

Fitz Hall and Alexander Merkel are suspended and Arsenal loanee Hector Bellerin is ineligible.

Almen Abdi suffered no ill effects from playing more than an hour against the Cherries last weekend but is unlikely to start at the Etihad.

Marco Cassetti could also be included after he recovered from the knee injury which ruled him out last weekend.

Essiad Belkalem (ankle) and Tommie Hoban (ankle) are long-term absentees.