Following João Pedro’s first-half withdrawal against Millwall on Boxing Day, Watford Head Coach Slaven Bili? has revealed that the Brazilian starlet is expected to be out of action for six to eight weeks.
The 21-year-old forward – who has scored eight goals in 20 Sky Bet Championship appearances so far in 2022/23 – went down under a challenge from Lions midfielder George Saville in the festive fixture, and despite attempting to carry on was eventually replaced by Yáser Asprilla.
Three days on Bili? explained that João Pedro has suffered damage to the ligaments in his ankle, and that the Hornets will have to continue their push for promotion into the New Year without their No.10 in the short term.
“It’s ligament damage,” said Bili?, ahead of the Golden Boys’ trip to Swansea City on Friday. “None of the ligaments are completely ruptured, but they all have damage, and he’s going to be out for a while – about six to eight weeks.
“It’s a big blow. I don’t have to tell anybody what João means to this team – he’s exceptional, he’s someone who you can build a team around, and we will miss him.
The injury compounds the problem of the Hornet, increasing the number of missing players due to injury to eight.
This also mean Nigeria international, Tom Dele-Bashiru who just returned to playing as well will be having more workload in the midfield area but the former Croatia manager has other plans.
“In midfield we currently have a situation where we might have to play people somewhat out of position. A few of them – like Louza and Cleverley – we expect to be back in a month or so, but Kayembe and Choudhury should be sooner than that, which is good news.” Bilic revealed.
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