Walid Regragui’s list pleases an English club

Javi Gracia can breathe a sigh of relief. The Spanish coach was expecting to lose his key players for several weeks, but the Moroccan Federation decided otherwise. By leaving captain Imran Louza and young talent Othmane Maamma on the sidelines for the African Cup of Nations, the coach is unwittingly providing a major reinforcement to the Hornets. The English club, engaged in a tight race for promotion, will be able to field its stars in the upcoming clashes against Stoke City, Leicester and Norwich during the holidays.

This double non-selection is surprising given the momentum of the players concerned. Louza has established himself as the technical leader of his team with six goals and five assists in 18 matches this season. For his part, Maamma is confirming the hopes born of his U20 World Cup Ballon d’Or title. The young talent has recently opened his goal-scoring account against Birmingham City, chaining brilliant performances that have attracted the attention of recruiters such as those from Celtic.

Watford needs all its driving forces to get back on track. The team is stagnating in 12th place, three points off the play-offs, after a frustrating draw conceded on Tuesday against bottom-placed Sheffield Wednesday (1-1). This match, marked by a missed penalty from Louza before a late equalizer, illustrates the fragility of the group. President Scott Duxbury has also locked the door: despite transfer rumors, no departures will take place this winter without Gracia’s approval, who now has a full squad to try to make up the deficit.