Medical expert: Foster set to miss Tottenham clash as Watford comeback date named
Ben Foster could return to action for Watford when they face Leicester City in the FA Cup next Saturday (8 January).
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
Foster has been sidelined with a groin injury since 20 December, with Daniel Bachman filling in between the sticks in his absence.
Watford confirmed on Friday (31 December) that the 38-year-old goalkeeper has trained outside this week and is ahead of schedule in his recovery.
He is expected to miss Saturday’s (1 January) game against Tottenham but Dinnery claims that next weekend’s fixture is within his grasp
“Age is a factor, as is his position,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“Bt this setback isn’t anything new. He had been managing it prior to his withdrawal from the first team before Daniel Bachman came in.
“When it gets to that stage, it’s decision time for the player.
“Are you available to perform at optimum level or is it best to take a step back and address those concerns and get ready for the second half of the season?
“Goalkeepers have the luxury of maybe being able to play with the issue.
“But the issue with goalkeepers is that a lot of their movements tend to be explosive.
“They are short, sharp quick bursts of energy and changes of directions. That’s where you find the problems are occurring.
“The initial timeline suggested mid-January. There is an outside chance that he might be fit for the bench in game week 21. But more realistic would be that FA Cup game.”
Foster has conceded 13 times in nine appearances for the Hornets this term.
Claudio Ranieri’s side are currently 17th in the league table.
In other news, Watford approach Aston Villa about signing Kourtney Hause.