Roy Hodgson hopes Ismaila Sarr winning the Africa Cup of Nations could boost Watford’s plans for Premier League survival.
Sarr was part of the Senegal side which won the AFCON crown on Sunday as they beat Egypt to win the tournament for the first time in their history.
Watford winger Sarr arrived at the tournament in Cameroon with a knee injury, but he recovered from that to help Senegal go all the way.
Hodgson hopes the win will boost Sarr’s spirit as he returns to help Watford in their fight to stay in the Premier League.
The Hornets are in action on Tuesday at West Ham, with Sarr looking most likely to return for Saturday’s clash against Brighton.
“Ismaila Sarr played last night in the AFCON and we don’t know as yet what time he will be returning,” said Hodgson.
“I think our sporting director is in contact, of course, with him, but I haven’t had a chance to speak to him this morning yet. I hope he has some good news for me when I do.
“We hope [that it could be a boost for Sarr]. It was a very great achievement for Senegal to win the tournament for the first time.
“I was really happy for him, happy for Senegal, happy for another ex-player of mine in Cheikhou Kouyate. It was great to see them win.
“But now we do badly need him back with us to help us win. I am hoping that they will get him back, or be able to get him back, as soon as possible because the earlier we can count on him playing in our team, the better.
“He is fit, so there won’t be any problem in terms of his fitness. Luckily it seems he has recovered from the injury.
“He has played quite a lot in the last two or three games. So, if he is back in time and has sort of recovered from the travel backlog, then I am hoping we will be able to use him.”
