It was a bittersweet Saturday at Vicarage Road for Watford FC. While the Hornets managed a solid 2–0 win over Derby County, the celebration was definitely cut short by a worrying injury to their Moroccan star, Othmane Maamma.
Maamma was instrumental in Watford’s bright start, providing the low cross that led to Luca Kjerrumgaard’s opening goal early in the match. However, he was forced off just 23 minutes in after appearing to pull up with a quadriceps issue following a challenge on the pitch.
Speaking after the game, head coach Edward Still described the situation as frustrating, given Maamma’s strong performance before his substitution. “Othmane started the match really well, so it’s disappointing for him to go off so early,” Still said. “We knew that as we entered the latter stages of the season and changed training methods, there was always a risk of players picking up minor injuries.”
He added, “We try to manage that as best we can, by pushing players without overdoing it, but we have to assess the severity of Ousmane’s injury.”
The Moroccan link-up 🇲🇦
Cut in and finish from Maamma ✨ pic.twitter.com/BZ69aBThrJ
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) February 14, 2026
Early diagnosis and expected absence
Initial assessments from the club’s medical staff on February 22 suggest that Maamma’s injury may not be as severe as first feared. Although the full scan results are still pending, early indications point to a muscle strain in his quadriceps, which could keep him out for several weeks rather than months. The exact recovery timeline will depend on further evaluation and follow-up tests scheduled later this week.
Currently around ninth place, the Hornets are only a few points outside the top six, making every attacking option important.
The Moroccan forward has been one of Watford’s most exciting attacking players this season. He contributed to many goals and assists while offering pace and creativity down the flank. His early exit against Derby, especially with no clear return date yet, is a huge worry for the club.
But Watford won’t be rushing Maamma back onto the pitch. They’re prioritizing a 100% recovery over a quick fix, especially given how grueling the Championship schedule can be on a player’s body.
More medical details are expected in the next few days.
