Medical expert names Peter Etebo return date after ‘big’ Watford news in last 24 hours
Peter Etebo could make an appearance off the bench for Watford against Burnley tomorrow (5 February).
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
Etebo featured in all of Watford’s six opening Premier League games before he was forced to undergo surgery on a quadriceps issue.
But pictures posted by Watford on Twitter last Friday (28 January) show the midfielder back in training for the first time since going under the knife.
HertsLive reported yesterday (3 February) that the Nigerian’s status will continue to be monitored ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Turf Moor.
Dinnery predicts that Etebo could play a role as a substitute in Roy Hodgson’s first game at the helm.
“He’s slightly ahead of schedule,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“This is one where he’ll be assessed on a daily basis to see how he competes with the team. It’ll be a big boost for him to be back in training again.
“Maybe the arrival of Roy Hodgson can benefit Peter Etebo. He has looked historically towards a 4-2-3-1, and Etebo would fit nicely in that midfield.
“There are a big number of first-team squad players at his disposal, so there isn’t any pressure to rush him back.
“In theory, if he’s coming through with these sessions without any issues, it’s just a case of building that baseline fitness and sharpness.
“I definitely wouldn’t expect him to start again Burnley. But minutes from the bench are a possibility.
“In mid to late February, he will be approaching peak levels of fitness.”
Etebo signed from Stoke City on loan last summer with an option to buy.
The Hornets have not won in nine and are second from bottom ahead of tomorrow’s clash in East Lancashire.
In other news, Dinnery issues “huge” Ismaila Sarr verdict after “heated discussions” at Watford.