Carlisle Absence Explained

Watford has confirmed that defender Clarke Carlisle is suffering from a knee complaint that is almost certain to keep him out of contention for a place in the club's Premiership return at Everton on August 19.

The injury, picked up in pre-season training, is a blow to the ex-Queens Park Rangers man who is expected to be an integral part of Aidy Boothroyd's defensive strategy in the upcoming campaign.

The player has not figured in any of the Golden Boys' pre-season friendlies played so far, and is expected to be out for another two to three weeks.