Watford have suffered a significant injury blow ahead of their clash with Nottingham Forest - but have reacted by announcing a new signing.
Midfielder Tom Cleverley suffered minor ligament damage in the Hornets’ 2-0 victory over Wycombe Wanderers on Wednesday night, being forced off in the final 10 minutes of the match as he was replaced by Ben Wilmot.
He is expected to be sidelined until after the international break later this month, ruling him out of his team’s next four games - starting against the Reds tomorrow lunchtime.
Watford have Dan Gosling and Nathaniel Chalobah suspended for the meeting with Forest at Vicarage Road.
With their options reduced, they responded by bringing in experienced free agent Carlos Sanchez to bolster their midfield ranks ahead of facing Chris Hughton’s men.
Stand-in captain Cleverley, who has scored four goals in 30 appearances this term, told the club website of his injury: “I'm really upbeat about this given what it could have been.
“I've loved being in the thick of the action this season, and especially these last few weeks, so I'll be working hard to be back involved as soon as I can for the all-important run-in.”
Colombia international Sanchez has penned a short-term deal with the club until the end of the season.
The 35-year-old played at the last two World Cups and was most recently with West Ham United, where he spent two years, as well as previously playing for Aston Villa.
He could make his debut against the Reds this weekend.
The fixture will see Forest's James Garner and Glenn Murray return to familiar territory as they both spend the first half of the campaign on loan at Watford.
