Watford Receive Myron Boadu Boost — But Alessio Dionisi Sets One Important Condition

Watford have been handed a major boost with Myron Boadu expected to return to the squad before the next international break.

The 25-year-old striker joined the Hornets on Transfer Deadline Day as a free agent, but he will not be rushed into action after going without a competitive appearance since February.

Watford head coach Alessio Dionisi is hopeful Boadu can be involved before the international break, provided he reaches the required fitness level.

“Myron is a good striker,” Dionisi said.

“It’s important that he’s at 100 per cent.

“I spoke to my staff and, probably before the international break, Myron will be part of the team.”

Watford will ease Boadu back in

Boadu's arrival gives Dionisi another attacking option, but his lengthy spell without playing means the striker must first rebuild his match fitness.

Rather than immediately throwing him into the starting XI, Watford are expected to manage his return carefully.

That could mean Boadu initially being introduced from the bench before eventually competing for a starting place.

For a striker who has already shown his ability at a high level, getting him back to full fitness will be the priority.

Dionisi's comments suggest the club are targeting a return before the international break, although he stopped short of putting an exact date on Boadu's first appearance.

Two Watford players return to training

There is further positive news within Watford's squad.

Jeremy Ngakia and Jack Grieves have both made encouraging progress from their respective injuries and started training with the group this week.

Their returns give Dionisi more options as he manages an injury-hit squad.

Branimir Mlačić is also close to returning to full team training, with the midfielder expected to rejoin the group at the beginning of next week after recovering from a calf problem.

Bove ruled out until after international break

However, Watford have also suffered a significant setback.

Edoardo Bove sustained a ligament injury to his right knee during the match against West Bromwich Albion and will not feature before the international break.

His condition is continuing to be monitored, with the club yet to provide a definitive timeframe for his return.

That means Dionisi will have to plan without the midfielder for the immediate run of fixtures.

More injury updates

Kwadwo Baah has now started running on the pitch as he continues his recovery from a thigh injury.

The next stage of his rehabilitation will see him increase his work with the ball next week.

Marc Bola is also progressing well following his hamstring problem and is expected to resume running shortly.

Meanwhile, Travis Akomeah continues to complete pitch sessions alongside the rehabilitation coach as he works his way back from a foot injury.

There is also a question mark over Martín Payero.

The midfielder reported pain in his right adductor during the match against Preston and is being assessed ahead of Watford's next fixture.

Watford injury picture

For Dionisi, the latest update provides a mixture of good and bad news.

Boadu is edging closer to his first involvement, while Ngakia and Grieves have returned to group training and Mlačić is expected back next week.

At the same time, Bove is unavailable until after the international break, while Payero's condition will need to be assessed before the next game.

The progress of Baah, Bola and Akomeah also offers encouragement, although none are yet ready to provide an immediate solution.

Boadu could be the biggest boost

Of all the updates, however, Boadu's potential return is likely to attract the most attention.

Watford signed the forward to provide another attacking threat, but supporters have had to wait because of his lack of recent football.

Dionisi now believes that wait could soon be over.

If Boadu can reach full fitness as planned, Watford could have their new striker available before the international break — giving Dionisi another attacking weapon at a crucial stage of the season.

For now, the message from Watford is clear: Boadu is getting closer, but the club will only unleash their new striker once he is ready to give 100 per cent.