Gianfranco Zola has confirmed Ikechi Anya will be out for at least three weeks and says Watford's current injury problems are the worst he has seen since he became a head coach.

Anya was withdrawn from Scotland's 1-0 win over Norway on Tuesday with a calf problem and missed the Hornets' 1-0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers.

After Saturday's game, Zola said Anya would be out for "at least" three weeks and confirmed the number of injuries in the squad was the reason why the club signed young Arsenal right back Hector Bellerin and centre back Fitz Hall.

Watford had 11 players either out or doubtful for Saturday's match.

Zola, who had a two-year spell in charge of West Ham United, said: "I had a few injuries at West Ham as well but not like this and not at the same time.

"But they are not actually muscle problems or injuries, otherwise you would be questioning the type of training. Apart from Ikechi and Lloyd Doyley, they are knocks, problems with the ankle or something like that.

"It is certainly not a lucky period for us."

Watford's injury list prior to Saturday:

Manuel Almunia (illness)

Lloyd Doyley (hamstring)

Gabriele Angella (thigh)

Nyron Nosworthy (hamstring)

Essaid Belkalem (ankle)

Tommie Hoban (ankle)

Reece Brown (knee)

Ikechi Anya (calf)

Sean Murray (back)

Almen Abdi (foot)

Troy Deeney (dead leg)