Dja Djedje’s return thrills Mazzarri

Watford boss Walter Mazzarri is amazed at how quickly Brice Dja Djedje has recovered from a foot injury.The 26-year-old came on as a substitute on Saturday as the Hornets beat Burton Albion in the third round of the FA Cup.

The Ivory Coast international defender has returned from injury ahead of schedule as it had been anticipated that he would have only just been ready to start training this week.

Saturday’s match marked Djedje’s first appearance for the club following his arrival from Marseille last summer.

Mazzarri said: „Djedje did something unexpected and incredible because he was supposed to back in full training on the ninth [of January] and he managed to play. He wanted to be here.

„Of course he needs more training but we know what kind of player he is and with the training and more minutes he will be back as the player we all know.“

Watford have endured a poor run of late but can be backed at 29/20 to return to winning ways by beating Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Mazzarri’s side are 13/8 to keep a clean sheet against Boro and 9/1 to win the match from behind.

Meanwhile, Mazzarri is being linked with Andrea Ranocchia, who he worked with during his time at Inter Milan.

The 28-year-old has only played five times in Serie A this season and is reportedly interesting Swansea City as well as the Hornets.