Samuel Kalu is still questionable for Wednesday’s match between Watford and Coventry.
Last Saturday at the DW stadium, the Nigerian player who replaced Ken Sema in the 68th minute of the Hornets’ 1-0 victory over Wigan sustained a twisted ankle.
As he rushed at the home defense and displayed outstanding footwork to avoid tackles, Kalu made a noticeable difference.
For Watford, who are now ranked fifth in the English Championship standings, it was his fourth appearance as a substitute this season.
“Kalu suffered a twisted ankle that isn’t thought to be too bad he will be accessed before the game on Wednesday,” said Slaven Billic.
Speaking further, he said, “He adds another dimension to the way we can play. He’s a player that has got more than something.
“He wasn’t fit when we arrived and he still isn’t fully fit, but he’s got something special: a change of pace, a change of direction, good on the ball. His first touch and movement are good, he strikes a ball well.
“He’s a very useful player and we are expecting a lot from him.”
Slaven Bilic also disclosed what he said to Kalu when he took Sema’s place.
“When I was sending Kalu on I said to him ‘Don’t cross the ball, because Wigan are good at defending crosses’,”he continued.
“You have to give something to get something, and Wigan’s systems mean they defend their box very well but they give you the flanks. They defend their box with numbers and they did it well today and probably practised it during the week.
“They are physical and good in the air in defence. So that is why I told Kalu not to cross the ball. Get inside the box with the ball, and that’s what he did.
“I wanted him in their box with the ball, and then decide what to do. Don’t cross it early.
“Then we pinned them in. We didn’t create a lot but it was noticeable that in the last 15 minutes it was more of us having the ball, and we pinned them back.”
