Anya sidelined for ‘at least’ three weeks

Beleaguered head coach Gianfranco Zola has confirmed that wing-back Ikechi Anya will be out for ‘at least’ three weeks.

The flying Scotsman was injured in international duty with Gordon Strachan’s side earlier in the month and will now miss a minimum of three weeks for the Hornets.

Whilst not at his best this season, Anya remains a sufficiently important part of Zola’s side that Arsenal’s young wing-back Hector Bellerin has been recruited in the mean time as Davide Faraoni continues to adjust to English football.

Injury to Anya is just the latest blow for Zola, who was without a full team against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, whilst Manuel Almunia was withdrawn at half-time due to illness.

Defenders Essaid Belkalem (ankle), Gabriele Angella (thigh), Tommie Hoban (ankle), Reece Brown (knee), Lloyd Doyley (hamstring) are all missed out, along with Almen Abdi (foot), Sean Murray (back) and Troy Deeney (dead leg).

Vital Watford will bring you updates on the Hornets’ lengthy injury list where possible.