Club physio eases fears over injury problems (From Watford Observer)

Watford sweating on several players before Championship opener against Crystal Palace on Saturday

1:00pm Tuesday 14th August 2012 in Sport By Lewis Wood-Thompson

Picture: Alan Palmer

Watford could be without a number of key stars ahead of their opening Championship fixture against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Hornets, who narrowly scraped past Wycombe Wanderers at the weekend, were noticeably lacking several new signings.

Three new additions who did feature were Manuel Almunia, Almen Abdi and Matej Vydra, with Ikechi Anya making the bench, yet four new faces were still absent.

Free transfer Fitz Hall, who has signed a one-year deal following his release from Queens Park Rangers, has yet to feature for the Hornets in the close season.

However, speaking to the club website, head of medical Marco Cesarini has stated that it isn’t a serious injury concern and only a small niggle.

“It means a delay for Fitz in keeping him in top condition,“ Cesarini said.

Another player who has rarely featured is forward Steve Leo Beleck, making only one appearance in the game against Cork City.

Cesarini said: “There is also just a little problem there with some [muscular] imbalance. We'll sort that out and he'll be back into full training there."

The physio stated that the only 'injuries' are Sean Murray and Jack Bonham. The former missed the weekend cup tie as he was rested for precautionary reasons due to a dead leg, with the latter suffering from a twisted ankle.

Latest loan signing Alex Geijo is yet to start training with the Hornets, and a special programme has been devised to bring him up to speed with the rest of the squad.

Daniel Pudil was rested against Wycombe after picking up what seemed to be a hamstring strain the week before against Tottenham Hotspur.

Finally, Stephen McGinn, who missed the whole of last season due to injury, has another test to pass to prove his fitness to Watford medical team.

Cesarini also mentioned that the lack of appearances made by the new signings is merely a preventative measure as they adapt to the English game and get up to full fitness.

He said: “With all the players, we understand that it is better for them to have a little extra time to recover, than come back into the main group not fully prepared and risk being out for longer.”

The Hornets visit Crystal Palace on Saturday for their first league fixture, before playing host to Ipswich Town a few days later.

Last night's 12-0 defeat suffered at the hands of Barton Rovers was a Watford Community Trust side and not a first team pre-season friendly.