Watford defender Craig Cathcart has been forced to miss Northern Ireland's first World Cup qualifier due to injury.

The Hornets centre-back was ruled out of their league defeat against Arsenal on Saturday with a groin strain.

Cathcart has yet to recover from this injury and will miss Northern Ireland's match in the Czech Republic on Sunday. 

Watford will be hoping the defender returns to fitness in time for the next Premier League game at West Ham a week on Saturday.