Watford manager Malky Mackay believes players across the country will suffer more injuries this weekend due to the excessive fixture scheduling and accepts Leicester City will have a big advantage going into tomorrow's game after playing on Friday night.
The Hornets will have less than two days to recover from yesterday's 1-0 win over Barnsley before they travel to Leicester tomorrow.
The Hornets, who are arguably one of the Championship's most hard-working teams, have a very thin squad due to a number of injuries and Mackay is concerned they will have even more come Tuesday morning.
“We all know why they schedule the fixtures so close together, financial reasons,” Mackay said last night.
“But for players at this level, with the amount of effort and energy they put in and how quick the modern game is, it is too quick a turnover to recover and that is when injuries happen.
“I think you will find all over the country that on Tuesday morning people will be waking up with more injuries than normal.
“It is certainly a day too soon - we normally play Saturday and then Tuesday. Playing Saturday and then Monday is a day too soon as far as I am concerned, But I know why it is done.”
Leicester's play-off hopes suffered a huge blow on Friday night when a howler from goalkeeper Chris Weale handed neighbouring Nottingham Forest a 3-2 victory.
But Mackay believes Leicester will, understandably, have a big advantage going into tomorrow's game at the Walkers Stadium having had an extra day's rest.
Mackay said: “It gives them an advantage of course as they have extra time to recover but there is nothing we can do about that. I am not going to start writing letters of complaints about it.
“That is life. We knew it was the case. But Richard Collinge, our head of medical, is top class so under his tutelage we will recover as well as we can and have the proper nutrients, food and rest tomorrow.
“I know it is Easter Sunday but it is a business day for us because we have a game the next day so we will prepare properly and make sure we are as fresh as we can be for Leicester.”
Sven Goran-Eriksson's side can also call upon some hugely experienced Premier League players following their takeover earlier this season – bringing on former England and Manchester City striker Darius Vassell on Friday night.
Mackay said: “We have come up against that recently. I looked at Leeds' bench and Norwich's bench and this game will be no different.
“Leicester are a team who have financially been able to bring in very experienced players and again that is life. Until such time as that changes, you just have to get on with bringing on youngsters,” Mackay laughed.
“But it will stand them in good stead and our fans should be very proud of the young boys putting on Watford strips at the moment because they are giving absolutely everything for that jersey.”
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