Watford’s English midfielder Will Hughes limped off last night in their 2-4 loss to Manchester United and seems certain to miss the Hornet’s next game, against Tottenham Hotspur – and potentially more, with fears that the hamstring injury that forced him to leave the stadium on crutches last night could be a tear, rather than a less serious pull.
It will come as a tremendous blow for the 22 year old, who, after his summer move from Derby County to Watford for a fee reported to be in the £8 million region, has had to be patient for his chance to make his long awaited Premier League debut – but when it came, he has looked every inch the part and has immediately won the hearts of the Watford fans, whom have been vociferous in their praise and support of Hughes via Twitter :
Any news on @wjhughes19 injury? Has been awesome for us! @WatfordFC @WD18fans
— Simon Hulland (@SimonHulland2) November 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/MazzaTutch/status/935797229880795137
Injury crisis strikes again, heartbreaking for Will Hughes. Absolutely gutted.
— Dom (@SimplyWatford) November 28, 2017
Will Hughes is actually mint- always wondered why nobody tried to take him from Derby before
— Ross Holland (@RossHolland_) November 28, 2017
Hughes had been at Derby County for several seasons prior to joining Watford, establishing himself in the Derby midfield despite being a teenager at the time, and becoming widely regarded as one of the best talents outside of the Premier League. Hughes was linked several times with a move to the Premier League, with Liverpool amongst his followers, but he remained at Pride Park, where despite battling some serious injuries, he helped Derby to the brink of promotion to the Premier League – but all ending ultimately in failure.
It was no surprise, although it remained disappointing to Rams fans, to see Hughes eventually find a place with a Premier League squad – with Watford making a decisive move to land the talented youngster – something of a gamble, but one that seems to be paying off, with Hughes slotting into the fluid Watford midfield and impressing with his calm, simple passing, tenacious tackling and eye for goal – hitting the net in successive wins for the Hornets against West Ham and Newcastle. He was again impressive against United last night before the injury struck in the 58th minute.
Watford fans will be keeping everything crossed for Hughes and hope to see him back in action soon, with his support for inclusion into the England squad getting ever louder, as a player that has always seemed destined for great things, finally makes his mark in the Premier League, and fulfilling what has long been expected of him. Let’s hope that injury doesn’t further hamper his career and development.
DO YOU THINK THAT HUGHES COULD BE AN ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL ANY TIME SOON?