New Watford signing Will Buckley is not expected to feature in today's game with high-flying Swansea City or Tuesday's clash with Sheffield United.

Buckley has not played a competitive match since November 24 after suffering an ankle injury.

The 20-year-old had a setback in his recovery in December but despite a slight thigh strain ruling him out of Rochdale's 4-1 win on Saturday, Buckley insists there will be no long term problems.

Malky Mackay confirmed: "He will not be involved on Saturday. We just want to get him with our fitness and medical team over the next week or so to make sure he is right.

"It is nothing. There is no major injury there, he absolutely passed a medical and stuff like that so it is nothing longer term."

He added: "Again it is unlikely he will be involved on Tuesday as well."

Today's game may yet be called off after the undersoil heating at Vicarage Road malfunctioned over night. A pitch inspection will take place when the referee arrives at the stadium.

Despite this being Mackay's first full campaign as a manager, this will be the fourth time he has faced Swansea City as Hornets boss after going up against them in the Championship and Carling Cup while in temporary charge last season.

The Swans are in great form with just two defeats in 21 matches, although ten of those were draws and they have only scored two or more goals on six occasions.

Besides Buckley, Watford, who have slipped to 15th after no win in six league games, have a fully-fit squad to chose from.

Mackay said: "They are a tough outfit. I have come to know Paulo [Sousa] a little bit since he has been in the UK and we have had a good chat a couple of times and he is a good man and he is doing well at Swansea.

"We played them earlier on in the season and had a good game with them at the Liberty Stadium and I don't expect anything other here.

"They have a good record but we are back at Vicarage Road again and I expect it to be a good game."

Swansea are still without star man Ferrie Bodde and Albert Serran, Andrea Orlandi and Cedric van der Gun are also doubts.

Talented Leon Britton is expected to return though, and new signing Shefki Kuqi is also likely to be on the bench.

City were disappointing in Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Coventry and Sousa said: "We're looking for a reaction and we expect one.

"Everything we have done until now gives us confidence that we can put things right.

"Watford caused difficulties for us at home. We will need to be at our best to win as always.

"Watford are well organised with good quality players especially up front. They also have good defenders, especially the full-backs."