Watford will be without Sebastian Prodl for three weeks due to a calf injury whilst Valon Behrami could miss out after Quique Sanchez Flores suggested he needed for four to six days more.

Prodl has not played for the Hornets since the defeat against Arsenal last month. The centre-back injured his calf on international duty with Austria and will be out for another three weeks meaning Miguel Britos and Craig Cathcart should continue at the heart of the defence.

However, there is better news regarding Behrami. The Swiss midfielder was left out of the matchday squad for last weekend's loss against Manchester United after taking a kick to the knee in training.

But he could be available for Saturday's trip to Villa Park.

"We don’t have any players back," Flores said. "Maybe Valon Behrami will be back but we need to confirm today after training."

However, he later added: "I think he needs maybe four, five or six days more."

Meanwhile, long-term absentee Joel Ekstrand has returned to training following knee ligament damage. Flores said: "I'm very happy because I have a good feeling about him."

On Tommie Hoban, who has yet to play this season due to a groin injury, he added: "Hoban is not, at the minute, on the pitch. But he is improving a lot."