Watford have been dealt a double injury blow after Ismaila Sarr and Ben Foster were ruled out until next year.
Scans have revealed Sarr sustained a knee ligament injury against Manchester United earlier this month and he will miss the entire festive schedule.
Watford say the Senegal international will require a further scan “in around a month’s time”, which puts his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations in doubt.
Foster is out until January with a groin strain. The goalkeeper has denied claims he sustained the injury playing in a charity match for Hashtag United.
In-form Emmanuel Dennis, who has been involved in 10 Watford goals this season (five goals and five assists) is a doubt for Wednesday’s home game against Chelsea.
Adam Masina is expected to be fit to face the Blues despite picking up a knock in Sunday’s 4-2 defeat at Leicester City.
Watford have also confirmed Nicolas Nkoulou is out until the New Year with the hamstring injury he suffered against Manchester United.
