PIERRE ISSA could be in line for a first team recall now he has recovered from the shoulder injury.

However, Marcus Gayle has still not returned to full training after suffering a bout of viral flu and experiencing a consequent back problem.

Issa, who has yet to partner Filippo Galli at the heart of the defence, is the only player likely to return to the first team squad for the Hornets' trip to Grimsby on Saturday, October 20.

Allan Nielsen's ankle was so badly wrenched, some contend the toes actually touched his shin on impact. However, he is progressing well. Previously he has started to run and train, but complained of continued discomfort.

"He is now running again and we will gradually increase the work. It has been a long haul. We thought it was fractured at first," admitted assistant manager Terry Byrne.

"It is a matter of severe bone bruising and that will take some time to come out."

* Patrick Blondeau is again a victim of the soft tissue injuries that have proliferated of late. He sustained a slight groin tear in a first half tackle on Saturday, October 13, and, after playing his best game for the Hornets, against Bradford City last week, is likely to be out for a further week.

* Lee Cook is going to Lilleshall for rehabilitation work at the end of the month.

* Nick Wright is doing a little bit more specific rehabilitation. At the moment, they are easing him back into it with "football, rehab, football, rehab".

*Nigel Gibbs is working with what Byrne described as "an ongoing groin, which is slowly rehabilitating."

Added the assistant manager: "We are not keen to rush him because of the length of time he has been out with the injury."

*Richard Johnson is "working very well in Australia". He should be back in this country around Christmas, and is under supervision of the surgeon in Australia.

* James Panayi and Gary Fisken have recovered from flu.

* Watford players and officials are full of sympathy for scholar Joe Cowen, who injured his anterior crusciate knee ligaments in a training game.

"It will be a long haul for him and he is unlikely to play again this season," said Terry Byrne.

* Allan Smart's loan period at Hibernian ends in two weeks. He has also been linked in speculation with a move to struggling Premership side Southampton.

October 19, 2001 11:04

Oliver Phillips