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# Team news: Ngakia close to return but Akomeah suffers injury

- **Source:** 
- **Club:** Watford
- **Original URL:** https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/26445705.team-news-ngakia-close-return-akomeah-suffers-injury/?ref=rss

Ngakia has missed the entirety of pre-season, initially with a back problem and then a muscle complaint, but should soon be able to provide competition to new signing Omar Traore on the right side of defence.

More: Watford want centre-backs 'very soon' and can't wait all month for loans

Saturday's Carabao Cup first round clash with Crawley Town will come too soon for him, though, while Akomeah will also miss out having suffered a "partial tear in his foot".

The 20-year-old will be out for the next six to eight weeks and his absence deepens the issues at centre-back, the youngster having been set to step up as first reserve for Mattie Pollock and Kevin Keben.

Travis Akomeah in action (Image: Alan Cozzi/Watford FC)

Sporting director Luke Dowling spoke yesterday of the need to move quickly in the transfer market to reinforce the back-line, a need that becomes even more urgent with Akomeah out of action.

James Clarridge has featured throughout pre-season as fourth choice and is now next in line after Pollock and Keben, while Hector Kyprianou has previously played at the back.

The news will come as a personal blow to Akomeah, who spoke last month of grasping the chance provided by so few senior centre-backs being available.

He said after the friendly draw at Barnet: "There's a massive opportunity.

"Places are up for grabs and I want to make that shirt mine come the start of the season. That's what I'm aiming for."

More: Dowling knows Watford need a new striker and outlines ideal profile

Rocco Vata does have a chance of featuring on Saturday, having made his return to action against Fiorentina at Vicarage Road last week.

The winger underwent hamstring surgery in January after suffering a tear in his first start back from a similar previous injury.

Rocco Vata celebrates (Image: Alan Cozzi/Watford FC)

The Hornets will want to ensure Vata's reintroduction is low-risk and say that Alessio Dionisi will consult with medical staff before deciding on the extent of Vata's involvement.

Full-back Jordan Zemura is available to play 20 minutes, Dionisi revealed yesterday, while news signings Federico Ravaglia are also in contention alongside Imran louza.

Nestory Irankunda is closing in on a move to Sporting CP and it would be a surprise if he were to be involved in the matchday squad.

Jack Grieves, meanwhile, is out with a knee injury.