Jannik Vestergaard unlikely for Watford as Tony Popovic hopes for Harry Souttar minutes | OneFootball

Jannik Vestergaard looks unlikely to face Watford this weekend after the Leicester City defender was left out of Denmark’s squad, while fellow centre-back Harry Souttar has stepped up his comeback and is targeting World Cup involvement.

According to LeicesterMercury.co.uk, Vestergaard returned to light training at Seagrave last week following hernia surgery. An international play-off omission suggests only an outside chance of any role at Vicarage Road.

If he misses out, Gary Rowett is left with three centre-backs. Caleb Okoli and Ben Nelson have started all six matches under him, and Jamaal Lascelles is a strong contender to come in after hints of changes at Watford.

Souttar spent around a year out with an Achilles tear before a knee procedure added a further four to six weeks of recovery. He has trained with the group for the past fortnight and is aiming to be fit enough for Australia selection.

Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic said staff, including Mile Jedinak, have checked in on Souttar and that he has progressed from rehabilitation to full contact sessions. He noted Leicester’s relegation fight under a new manager and hopes Souttar can get game time soon.

Popovic believes Souttar’s quality is obvious, but stressed the decision rests with Rowett and the timing of any return. The national set-up would welcome minutes to boost the defender’s confidence and well-being.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk