Tom Cleverley pens emotional Watford message as “big blow” confirmed | OneFootball

Despite the late nature of the equaliser that they conceded, Watford can look back on Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with Burnley as a decent result.

However, prior to kick-off, the Hornets were dealt yet another injury setback or blow, this time to skipper Tom Cleverley.

Cleverley, who had just returned from an achilles injury that had seen him miss out on Championship action since August, had just made his return last weekend versus Blackburn and was now in the starting line up for the clash at Turf Moor.

As fate would have it though, Cleverley wouldn’t start the match, with head coach Slaven Bilic later confirming he felt a ‘pop’ in his thigh, and yesterday stating that his player was set to miss out for the next eight weeks in what he called a ‘big blow’ for his side.

“He felt a pop in his thigh in the warm-up on Tuesday and although it’s not a major injury that requires surgery, it’s also not something he’ll be back from in a couple of weeks,” Bilic told the Watford Observer.

“The medical team are talking about eight weeks, which is a big blow for us and also for him. ]

“Knowing Tom as I do, he’s a very strong character and he’ll be back.”

Taking to social media in the aftermath of the news, Cleverley issued the following heartfelt and emotional message.

🔗 Instagram

“Took a couple of days to process what happened the other night.” Cleverley wrote on Instagram.

“At the end of a routine warm up I damaged my thigh. Extremely tough one to take after all the hard work I had put in to get to this stage.

“I hope the day comes I can repay the faith and patience the club and fans have had in me.

“Now it’s time to mentally regroup and help my teammates whichever way I can off the field.”

The Verdict

This is certainly devastating news for Tom Cleverley and Watford.

Given how good the experienced midfielder could be at this level, the club must be frustrated by his lack of playing time this season and that now looks set continue.

Furthermore, Cleverley’s contract is due to expire this summer at the end of June and so this hardly gives him a chance to show he is worthy of a new deal come the summer.

It’s a bitter blow for the player and the club and you just hope Cleverley can get fit and play some role towards the end of the season when the club are aiming to be in the play-offs.

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Daniel Bachmann has played for Bury

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