WATFORD manager Claudio Ranieri has confessed that the side will feel the absence of Emmanuel Dennis this weekend.
The Nigeria international is suspended and will not be able to face Southampton in Saturday’s Premier League fixture at Vicarage Road.
Dennis scored a brilliant goal and made two assists in Watford’s 5-2 win over Everton at Goodison Park last weekend to give Ranieri his first victory as the Hornets’ boss.
But the 23-year-old is ineligible for the Southampton clash after accumulating five yellow cards, which led to automatic suspension.“I miss him, but I’m sure whoever plays in his position for him can do very well,” Ranieri said during his pre-match press conference on Thursday, referring to the Nigerian forward.
Dennis has contributed three goals and three assists in his nine Premier League appearances this season, underlining his importance to the side.
Ranieri recognises that his side face an uphill task against the Saints, but he believes the stunning win at Everton will lift his players’ spirits.
“Of course the boost was very important, as were the three points on the table, but we must forget what happened and continue in this way,” he said.
“We have a difficult match because every match in the Premier League is difficult.
“We must be careful and play with intelligence. I was satisfied after the match, but after I think immediately of the next match.
“I went to watch Chelsea against Southampton in the Carabao Cup and I saw a good, well-organised team.
“They made a lot of changes and played so well. It is a dangerous match on Saturday.”
Dennis’ compatriot at Watford Oghenekaro Etebo is recovering from a muscle injury while William Troost-Ekong is expected to retain his spot in central defence.
Watford are 14th in the table with 10 points, two spots and two points ahead of Southampton.
