Newcastle United transfer target Joao Pedro will play no part in Watford's Championship clash with Preston North End on Saturday. The Brazilian, 20, is the man Eddie Howe wants to bolster his attack in the final weeks of the summer window.
Pedro has featured in all four of Watford's league games this season but reportedly played through the pain barrier in the midweek meeting with Birmingham City. The young forward is said to have picked up a minor calf injury and has not travelled with his co-stars to Deepdale this weekend.
Watford are desperate to keep hold of Pedro this summer after losing Emmanuel Dennis to Nottingham Forest earlier this month. Meanwhile, Newcastle are scrambling to add firepower to Howe's ranks in the final days of the window and have tested the Hornets' resolve with two bids so far.
