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Sannino weighing up forward options

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With Mathias Ranegie suspended and Park Ju-Young and Fernando Forestieri both doubtful, Beppe Sannino is weighing up his attacking options ahead of Saturday.

Forestieri came on at Doncaster on Tuesday and provided the assist for Ikechi Anya’s equaliser, but has since had stitches in his little toe following a heavy challenge.

The Argentine tweeted a picture of himself on crutches with his foot bandaged up on Wednesday and is therefore a doubt for Saturday’s clash with the Tykes.

Korean international Park has not been available since returning from the international break due to a thigh problem, meaning Troy Deeney is the only forward definitely available for Saturday.

Head coach Sannino has stated in the past that he prefers not to alter the shape of his team in the run-up to a match, and with two games in a week, the Italian could be reluctant to deviate from that policy.

Whist both Forestieri and Park remain doubts, Lewis McGugan Ikechi Anya have been touted as players who could be pushed up behind Deeney in support.

Speaking to The Watford Observer, Sannino was reluctant to dismiss this or any other possibility.

‘Fortunately we have one more day to assess the situation.

‘It [recalling youngsters] is an option but we won’t make a decision until we have assessed Nando [Forestieri] and Park tomorrow,’ said Sannino.

The Hornets currently have three young forwards out on loan, with Uche Ikpeazu at Crewe Alexandra and both Bernard Mensah and Alex Jakubiak on loan at Braintree Town.

There is better news concerning Manuel Almunia, who has recovered from illness and should step back into the side after missing Tuesday’s trip to Doncaster.

Almen Abdi (foot), Fitz Hall (Achilles) and Sean Murray (groin) all remain sidelined.

Barnsley boss Danny Wilson has some defensive issues to contend with in his team selection, with centre-halves Jean-Yves Mvoto and Martin Cranie both substituted due to injury during the Tykes 3-0 loss to Leicester City in midweek.

Winger Jim O’Brien is also sidelined for the south Yorkshire outfit, meaning Paddy McCourt should start on the left-hand side of the Barnsley attack.

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