Watford vs Leeds United: Daniel Farke reveals double surgery update and Good Friday team news

They were outstanding in the recent weeks. I don't like to compare because I had proper lads and great characters when I think about Norwich - just a side of free transfers. One of our secrets was to stick together. I don't want them to be misjudged but I have to say it's a joy to work with these lads at the moment. The spirit in the dressing room is extraordinary.

It helps that we are together now for such a long time. We know what we want to do at this stage of the season, it's not like you have to start with the basics again. Wales or Finland or U21 games are sometimes different with base formation and different tasks for individual players, we have to find a good scenario to focus them again on what you want to do. Right now we have to work more on the tactic board and video meetings with what we want them to do. But we have bright lads.

He's fit and even did something outside with us in the training. He's available.

Sam was with us last two weeks so he is prepared if I need him but it's too early to speak about. Under normal circumstances, Junior wouldn't be possible to start the game because he played in the early hours of this morning due to the time difference and he's back late morning tomorrow but I can't rule out anything at the moment because we have to wait for the assessment.

A decision was made, he already had his surgery last Monday, long and complicated, more than two hours, it went well, he started his first steps in the rehab process. He will miss out the rest of the season.

Stuart is a Leeds legend, he's done more for this club than many players. He's been here several years, achieved so much so he gets all the backing and time he needs for his recovery. Top class bloke and professional. Would love to have him back fit in my dressing room. No time pressure for him. He's working with our rehab coaches and doctors. Sadly you're not getting younger and you have to accept this. He will get all the help and support. If there is a chance to get Stuart back on the pitch we are greedy to make this happen.

Congratulations to Archie, first appearance and his first goal for England U21s. I'm also pleased he wasn't involved in every minute - beneficial international break. Mateo Joseph, good confidence level at the moment, also scored a goal. Them both will be available for training tomorrow.

There are a few concerns. Georginio is one of the concerns, he's on a good path but not able to train one time a full session, but there are still 48 hours and I'm carefully optimistic he'll be in the squad and for some minutes. There are some more concerns, Roberts limped off, I hope it's not too bad but let's be honest if you limp off you're usually not available two days later. The same with Willy Gnonto, he reported some hamstring problems after his game. Ilia Gruev reported problem with ankle ligament after the Bulgaria game - they are doubts.

No, Leicester has a game in hand, then they have the best possible option - that's a fact and the reality. For this weekend, the games before are not important because we play more or less, two games this weekend, six points. Watford, we train without a proper training session then a session on Sunday, before the game against Hull. We don't have to speak about the table right now, we have to find a way to be competitive for these two games.

There are a few injury concerns after the games in recent days, we'll have to be there with some late calls and be smart with what we do not overloading them with too much information. Obviously it's also about three points but our red hot form is not the case, it's crucial that we find a way to survive this fixture on Good Friday with the best possible performance in the circumstances.