Watford vs Derby County preview - Abdi available for Hornets

Posted Friday, November 21, 2014 by PA

Watford midfielder Almen Abdi is available for the visit of leaders Derby.

The Switzerland international has been sidelined since he was forced off with a shoulder injury against Nottingham Forest last month, but he has resumed full training over the last fortnight.

Defender Gabriele Angella could also be added to the squad after recovering from the ankle injury which has sidelined him since September.

That leaves Gabriel Tamas (cruciate) as the Hornets' only injury absentee, while Lewis McGugan has joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan.

Jamie Ward, Zak Whitbread and Lee Grant will remain sidelined for Derby.

Forward Ward is recovering from a thigh injury, while defender Whitbread has been struggling with back and hamstring problems. Goalkeeper Grant (ankle) will also miss out again so Jack Butland, whose loan from Stoke was this week extended by seven days to cover the trip to Vicarage Road, will continue between the posts.

Meanwhile, the Rams will check on Simon Dawkins when he returns from international duty. The forward has played three games for Jamaica, helping them win the Caribbean Cup.

"Both Granty and Wardy are doing okay and they should be training next week," Derby head coach Steve McClaren told local reporters at his press conference on Thursday. "We're waiting for him (Dawkins) to come back today (Thursday) and train tomorrow (Friday) - and we will see how he is."