Duo available for Rovers test (From Watford Observer)

Watford duo Joel Ekstrand and Geoffrey Mujangi Bia are available for Championship trip to Blackburn Rovers

9:00am Friday 26th October 2012 in Sport By Frank Smith, Deputy Group Sports Editor

Picture: Action Images

Watford duo Joel Ekstrand and Geoffrey Mujangi Bia are available for this Saturday’s trip to Blackburn Rovers.

The duo have both only made one appearance for the Hornets since their arrivals in the summer from Udinese and Standard Liege.

Ekstrand last played as a substitute in the 2-1 victory against Charlton Athletic while Bia hasn’t featured since the Capital One Cup defeat to Bradford City.

Speaking yesterday (Thursday), Zola said: "Joel should be training tomorrow (Friday) for sure. He has been training, but on his own rather than with the squad this week. He played with us the other day but we have preferred to keep him training on his own because we don’t want to make things worse.

"Bia has been training the whole week on his own. He has already done some work with the ball but today (Thursday) was the first time he was back to normal training."

However, the Hornets boss will still be without Nyron Nosworthy as the central defender has not recovered from the injury sustained on international duty.

Zola also confirmed that Prince Buaben, John Eustace and Neuton are still out.

Pudil's suspension and the departure of Carl Dickinson and Craig Forsyth mean Watford only have one naturally left-sided player in Jean-Alain Fanchone.

Udinese loanee Fanchone has yet to play since signing at Vicarage Road but Zola said he is fit and is an option, although the head coach did highlight that other players could fill in for Pudil.

Zola said: "Fanchone hasn’t played very much but he has been training well and has done is ok. He is a natural left full-back but we also have players who can adapt to play in that position so I will make some considerations."

The Hornets travel to Rovers looking to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday.

Blackburn have been without a manger since Steve Kean left the club at the end of September but caretaker boss Eric Black has steered them to fifth place in the Championship.

Despite the managerial upheaval, Zola believes Rovers will challenge for the title.

He said: "They are one of the teams that can win the league. So it is going to be a good game for us but we have the knowledge now that we can compete with any team."