Watford’s injury problems continued to mount during yesterday’s 4-2 defeat at Derby County after Joel Ekstrand and Lewis McGugan joined Manuel Almunia, Gabriele Angella and Almen Abdi on the sidelines.

The Hornets keeper missed the game with an Achilles problem, Angella and Abdi were ruled out with knee injuries, while their two teammates were both forced off within a short time of each other during the second half at the iPro Stadium.

Abdi has been in fine form since returning to the team following his prolonged absence with a foot condition and Hornets head of medical Marco Cesarini said: “It was a shame for him. The last training session yesterday he had a little twist on his knee. We will assess him.”

Asked about Almunia and Angella following yesterday’s defeat, Cesarini said: “Almunia has an Achilles problem and Angella has a minor knee problem.”

Commenting further on the goalkeeper’s injury, he continued: “It’s not a big problem but it’s painful and the gaffer always wants the players fit 100 per cent.”

The Hornets play their final away game of the season at Charlton Athletic on Tuesday and asked if Almunia could be fit for that, Cesarini said: “We have time, we have maybe two days he can be better but we will see.”

The head of medical said of the injuries picked up during the game: “Joel had a bad twist on his ankle today. McGugan was asking to come out because he felt something behind his knee and he needs an assessment.”