Ekstrand banned for Hornets
Joel Ekstrand is suspended for Watford's home clash against Sheffield Wednesday as Gianfranco Zola's side chase a first win in nine matches.
The defender picked up his fifth booking of the season in last weekend's 3-3 draw at Leeds and duly serves a one-match ban.
Midfielder Almen Abdi is not yet ready as he steps up his rehabilitation from a long-term foot injury while it is hoped goalkeeper Manuel Almunia is okay to feature after illness.
Lloyd Doyley (hamstring), Essaid Belkalem (ankle) and Tommie Hoban (ankle) remain on the sidelines.
Sheffield Wednesday caretaker-manager Stuart Gray could make one or two unforced changes to his starting line-up.
Gray, who will take charge of his third match for the club following the recent sacking of Dave Jones, has no new injury or suspension worries, but will still be without Giles Coke and Lewis Buxton.
Midfielder Coke missed last week's home defeat to Nottingham Forest due to a hamstring injury and defender Buxton remains sidelined with a similar problem that has ruled him out of the last two matches.
On-loan pair Glenn Loovens and Damian Martinez are expected to retain their places in defence and in goal respectively but Gray may make changes elsewhere following the 1-0 defeat to Forest.
Source: PA
Source: PA