Watford boss Vladimir Ivic has hinted that Etienne Capua could start Friday night’s game in Derby County
The French midfielder has yet to play for the Hornets this season and was due to leave the club during the international transfer window
La Liga side Valencia were in a great rush to sign him, but a move to Spain never materialized
Capua has been welcomed back to the senior squad and he has been training with the Ivic squad for the past two weeks to get back in shape
Manager says 32-year-old is now ready to start ahead of game at Pride Park Stadium
« He’s ready to play and gives us another option in this area of the pitch, especially after Tom Dele-Bashiru’s injury, » Ivic said
« Tom was unlucky [with his injury] because he is a quality player and he will be sadly missed
« But Etienne is an experienced player who has played with us in the Premier League and everyone knows that his experience and quality can give us a lot
The Serb says he has put his players to the test during the international break to ensure they are in the best possible shape before the next block of matches which sees them play seven games in 22 days
« This short break we have worked hard and prepared hard, » said Ivic « We have been working to improve our game with the players that we have had here
« I hope in the next 10 days we have a full roster and it will be easier for me to create the first 11 and the way we want to play
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When asked if he has set himself or set goals for his team in the next seven games, he replied: « No, we are only looking game by game
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World news – GB – Capua set to return to Watford ahead of County Derby clash
