Watford trio left out of squad after reported lockdown breach

Soccer Football - Premier League - Southampton v Watford - St Mary's Stadium, Southampton, Britain - November 30, 2019 Watford's Andre Gray reacts after missing a chance to score Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

Watford omitted Andre Gray, Nathaniel Chalobah and Domingos Quina from their squad for the Premier League game against Southampton on Sunday as a precautionary measure, the club said in a statement.

British media reported that striker Gray had breached coronavirus lockdown rules by holding a birthday party at his home this week, with Quina also pictured at the gathering.

"Gray, Chalobah and Quina have all been omitted from the Watford squad by (manager) Nigel Pearson to ensure the health and safety of all players, staff and officials at today’s game," Watford said.

Soccer Football - FA Cup Fourth Round - Newcastle United v Watford - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - January 26, 2019 Watford's Domingos Quina during the match Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough

The club said on Saturday they were investigating the matter and would speak to the players involved.

(Reporting by Arvind Sriram in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)

Soccer Football - Premier League - Burnley v Watford - Turf Moor, Burnley, Britain - June 25, 2020 Watford's Nathaniel Chalobah looks dejected after the match, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Peter Powell/Pool via REUTERS