Watford manager Tom Cleverley clarified that Mattie Pollock was not sidelined due to an injury last weekend.

Watford substituted the center-back during their 1-0 win against Blackburn Rovers at Vicarage Road for tactical reasons.

Pollock, 23, has been a crucial player for the Hornets this season and is receiving plenty of playing time.

According to the Watford Observer, Cleverley admitted that he was struggling and was not obliged to make the switch. He felt a crack in his elbow in the first half, but he persevered like a fighter. But it wasn’t a forced substitute; I had always told the guys that if we were drawing with 20/25 minutes left, we’d go for it at home.

“We did it, and it paid off. It’s now a 16-man game, and you may utilize five substitutes to re-energize the team. With our squad’s strength, you can even push it to the next level. We’re not going to have a roster of 15 or 16 first-team players and then fill it with Under-21 guys. We have 20 players in each side who can make a significant effect on the game.”

He went further: “It felt like one of those matches at half-time that was going to be impacted and won or lost by the substitutes and today’s ours had a stronger impact, like they have for most of the season.”

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The defender joined Hertfordshire in 2021 and has since appeared in 37 matches in all competitions, 13 of which have came this season.

Pollock played for Middlesbrough and Leeds United as a young player before joining Grimsby Town.

He then got into the Mariners’ first squad as a youngster, appearing in 58 games and scoring four goals from defence.

Watford farmed away the Surrey-born player to Cheltenham Town and Aberdeen to gain experience before he became a regular starter.

What happens now?

Cleverley was not hurt against Blackburn Rovers, therefore he should be available for Saturday’s match.

The Hornets will face Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough Stadium.

Watford currently ranks 7th in the table, but are not eligible for the play-offs due to goal difference.