Watford boss Claudio Ranieri will be unable to select his starting eleven until just before the game against us tomorrow (Ties) given injuries and uncertainty over those returning from self isolation.

However, defender Francisco Sierralta is available after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained last month.

And also reported to be progressing well is goalkeeper Ben Foster, whose recovery from a groin strain is quicker than expected although he won’t be ready for the match .

Striker Ismaïla Sarr won’t be rejoining the first-team squad’s training sessions until towards the end of January, as he continues his rehab programme following a knee ligament injury.

And the club website reports that Christian Kabasele won’t be available following his calf problem, while midfielder Peter Etebo will also be missing.

Although the Hornets have players previously isolating due to Covid-19 protocols back in training some more very recent positive tests mean that other players will miss the Hammers’ clash while they follow isolation guidelines.

Ad the manager said: “It’s a very big challenge. West Ham is a very good team, they play very well. Moyes is doing a fantastic job. We have to change our way, we are in a relegation battle and we have to change something.

“We have to play and we are strong, we have to make a very good match and get points, that is our philosophy and I will not change our philosophy.

“I don’t want excuses. I want to be in the Premier League at the end of the season, we have to fight.”