Dionisi Restores Watford Squad Options Before Burnley Clash

Watford manager Alessio Dionisi said the club has regained important squad depth ahead of its Championship match with Burnley, with several first-team players and new signing Krepin Diatta available after the international break. The Hornets had struggled with limited substitutes before the break.

According to BBC Sport, Watford could not name a full complement of substitutes in two of their final three matches before the break. Dionisi confirmed Soumaila Coulibaly, Jordan Zemura, Martin Payero, Omar Traore, Marc Bola, Travis Akomeah and Krepin Diatta are available for selection.

The manager described the returning players as similar to additions to the squad, saying the group has improved his training options.

"new" players were described by Dionisi as a boost to Watford's squad, with the manager referring to the return of first-team options.

"It is better for us because now we have enough players to have two teams on the [training] pitch." Dionisi told BBC Three Counties Radio.

Dionisi also warned that the returning players are still building match fitness after their absences. He said the club would manage their involvement carefully rather than immediately using them for full matches.

"not ready for 90 minutes" was Dionisi's assessment of the returning players as he discussed their current fitness levels.

Watford remain without Edoardo Bove, Jeremy Ngakia and Kwadwo Baah, with Dionisi expecting those players to be available after the next international break in November.

"They will probably be ready after the next international break [in November], but for me, we have a lot of 'new' players," Dionisi said.

Watford entered the Burnley fixture in 20th place in the Championship after consecutive defeats by Stoke and Bristol City before the break. Dionisi said the team must focus on improving after its opening eight matches.

"We've played eight matches," Dionisi said.

Dionisi added that recent results had not met expectations as Watford looked ahead to the next stage of the season.

"The last matches, the results were not good for us and for now it's better for us to think to the future." Dionisi said.

The Italian manager also spoke about the importance of the break for recovery, squad integration and personal time before returning to the pitch.

"I love my job, I love my work. The international break was important to recover, to know better the new players and for me to see my family. But I stay well when I'm on the pitch." Dionisi said.