Watford Coach: "Maama's Return is Good News for Everyone... He's Also Competing for a World Cup Spot and Wants to Regain His Form"

Watford coach Edward Still discussed the impact of Moroccan international Othmane Maama's absence from the team due to an injury that has sidelined him since last February. He praised the significant efforts the player has made to recover and return to the pitch.

Still told the club's official website: "We have to take it slowly with him. There's a possibility he could be on the bench with us, but starting this week is out of the question."

The coach continued: "This speaks volumes about the impact he's had and his importance to the team this season, as well as his great professionalism in dealing with the injury and working to return at the right time."

He also noted that the player still aspires to secure his place in the 2026 World Cup, affirming that he is striving to regain the form he displayed in previous periods.

In this regard, he stated: "He's also competing for a spot in the World Cup and wants to recapture the same atmosphere he created for himself and the team for a large part of the season."

He concluded: "His absence from the team was unfortunate; we saw his impact against Preston and at the start of the derby match, so his return is good news for everyone."