Former Watford footballer and manager Kenny Jackett will be taking a short break away from football to recover from an operation.

The Portsmouth manager will not attend any matches or training sessions from Thursday, with a medical procedure booked in on his arm that will require a short period of rest and recuperation.

The news was confirmed by the League One club this morning, with dozens of people sending messages of goodwill to Watford-born Jackett and the club.

Speaking at a press conference today, Jackett said: "I need an operation on my forearm. They're expecting I'll be out for around two weeks, or will need two weeks recovery after that operation. It is a precautionary one."

He added: "I'm really not anticipating being out any length of time or having any problems."

Watford FC were among those sending best wishes to Jackett. The club tweeted: "Get well soon, Kenny", accompanied by three hearts and the pray emoji.

Jackett, 59, is very fondly thought of at Vicarage Road having spent more than 25 years at the club.

He only ever played club football for Watford, joining aged 12, before going on to make 428 senior appearances for the club, as well as 34 for Wales.

His career came to a premature end aged just 28 following a series of knee operations.

Jackett stayed in Watford, becoming a part of the club’s coaching team, working closely with Graham Taylor, before taking over as manager in 1996 for a year.

He returned to first team coaching duties after that, with his long spell at Watford eventually coming to an end in 2001 when Gianluca Vialli was brought in.

Jackett pictured in charge of Portsmouth in January. Credit: PA

Jackett pictured in charge of Portsmouth in January. Credit: PA

Jackett has since gone on to make a name for himself in the managerial world, which has included promotions from League One with Millwall and Wolves, as well as Football League trophy titles with Swansea and Portsmouth.

He has been in charge at Portsmouth since 2017, with the south coast side in the promotion race for a place in the Championship.

Portsmouth FC said in a statement: “Portsmouth Football Club can advise that, with effect from this Thursday (February 18), Kenny Jackett will not be in attendance at matches or training sessions following a medical procedure that will require a short period of rest and recuperation.

“Assistant manager Joe Gallen will operate in a caretaker capacity during this time and will be assisted by first team coach Jake Wigley.

“Kenny will remain in constant contact with them both, while also able to speak to the players via video link before and after games, as well as at half-time.

“We wish Kenny a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back shortly.”