The depth of the Hornets' squad will be put to the test following Hector Kyprianou's suspension for an accumulation of five yellow cards.

Speaking on Friday, Dionisi offered an update on his squad's condition, with largely positive news to report, barring some slight concern for Myron Boadu.

Payero set to play

With Kyprianou unavailable, the Hornets' midfield options to face Middlesbrough are slim to say the least.

Dionisi told the media that Martin Payero, who came on in the Hornets' 1-0 win over Lincoln City on Tuesday, is now ready to start and will play against the Championship leaders.

“There is good news because Martin [Payero] stayed well after Tuesday," he revealed. "Martin is a good midfielder. We have worked to find the solution, but now I don’t want to explain, because I haven’t decided.

“But tomorrow, I’m sure another player will play in Hector’s place, and I hope for my team he will play well.”

“On Tuesday, Martin wasn’t ready to play, but now he’s ready. It’s good news for us, because without Hector, without Bove, and without Grieves, it’s important to recover one midfielder, and Martin will play tomorrow.”

Jack Grieves

Academy graduate midfielder Jack Grieves has not featured for Watford since May, and unfortunately Dionisi has confirmed that he is still not ready to play, but could return after the upcoming international break.

“I’m sorry because Jack is not ready," the Italian conceded. "Jack has a problem, and now he’s working to get better after this match. He will probably be ready after the international break.”

Mlacic ready for a full game

Branimir Mlacic faced a late fitness test ahead of Tuesday's win over Lincoln, but was able to come on for the last 20 minutes, the same as Payero.

Like Payero, Dionisi has revealed that the young Croatian youth international defender is also ready to start if needed.

“Mlacic wasn’t ready to play 90 minutes on Tuesday, but now he is, which is good news,” he shared.

Bove steps up return

(Image: Action Images)

After news broke that Edoardo Bove was set to rejoin specialised first-team training by the end of the week, Dionisi confirmed the news and reaffirmed that the midfielder is set to be ready by the end of the international break.

“Oh yes, we miss Bove, but we miss all of the injured players," Dionisi insisted. "Edo is now with the team and will be ready in the international break.”

Concern for Boadu?

Boadu was seen with strapping around his knee following Tuesday's win, and Dionisi's update has not entirely eased concern for the Dutchman.

"More or less [he is okay]," he said. "I haven't decided the squad, because I'll wait until tomorrow to decide, to see the news about Myron and other situations."