Watford boss ‘very sad’ over Etebo’s long-term injury

Xisco Munoz has expressed his sadness for Watford midfielder Peter Etebo after he was ruled out for the rest of 2021.

A torn quad muscle is set to sideline the Nigeria international for four to five months, which is not only a blow to the Premier League club but also to his country – who will compete in the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

“Yes, I am very sad about this – always when one of our players has a big injury,” Xisco said of the Stoke loanee before the weekend trip to Leeds.

“It is a problem for us and that is all you can say. It is a moment to try and give the best recovery for him. He is out for four to five months and this is a problem also for him because he had a very good attitude for our squad and team.”

While Xisco did not speak to the 25-year-old about being unavailable for the 2022 AFCON, the Spaniard did insist his squad could cope with Etebo’s absence.

The summer recruit has made a positive impression after arriving in July and started each of the club’s first five games in all competitions this season.

But he was on the bench in the last two fixtures with fellow new additions Moussa Sissoko and Ozan Tufan making their debuts for Watford in September.

Xisco added: “I didn’t speak nothing about this (AFCON). I spoke to him only about the injury and I wish him all the best.

“We have (Imran) Louza, Dan Gosling, Tufan and Tom Cleverley. We have a good level of players in this position.”