Troy Deeney return boosts Watford ahead of FA Cup final, says Javi Gracia
Friday 3 May 2019 18:39, UK
Javi Gracia has welcomed Troy Deeney's return ahead of Watford's last three games of the season - including the FA Cup final on May 18.
Deeney was shown a red card in Watford's loss to Arsenal on April 15, and was subsequently suspended for Premier League fixtures against Huddersfield, Southampton and Wolves following an unsuccessful appeal.
Gracia says the club are buoyed by the return of their captain with such big games coming up, with Watford aiming to qualify for the Europe League either through winning the FA Cup or by finishing in the Premier League top seven.
"It's important," Gracia said. "Troy has been important all season and after three games suspended it's good news for us that Troy will be available."
However, it's not all good news for Gracia, who will be without Etienne Capoue for the trip to Stamford Bridge. The Frenchman picked up a groin problem in the 2-1 defeat to Wolves last weekend, which has forced him to sit out a couple of training sessions.
Gracia is confident Capoue will be fit in time for the FA Cup final, but when asked about the Wembley date, he said he is not allowing his players to look that far ahead.
"It's my job to try to keep them concentrating on the next game," he added. "It's what we've done during all of the season, it won't be different at the end of the season.
"We will try to play the next two games as well as possible, because that's the best way to prepare for the last game - that final."
Chelsea played the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday, but Gracia is not convinced that makes the London side vulnerable, insisting they have the resources to cope with the short turnaround.
"In my opinion it's always good to play these teams because it's a good challenge for us to show what we are able to do," he said.
"Chelsea have a very good squad and can play different games over two or three days and always be competitive.
"I'm sure they will make many change but will have a good XI and we are ready to compete against them."
