Marco Silva has praised Brice Dja Djdeje’s commitment in training and outlined his reasons for leaving the disgruntled defender out of Watford’s Premier League squad.

The 26-year-old has been vocal in his unrest this week, saying the club have treated him “like an animal” and prevented him making a loan switch away in the summer.

While Silva insists he has not seen the comments, he says the reasons for leaving Djedje out were simply footballing matters, with injury concerns playing an important role in the decision.

Silva said: “He had a crucial injury in my opinion as a coach I had to decide. I have three right-backs to choose from, [Daryl] Janmaat, Kiko [Femenia] and Djedje.

“One of these right-backs didn’t play to much last season with a big injury. He started the pre-season and I am happy for him.

“But he had an injury in his finger and then his knee and he lost four weeks of pre-season. After we had to make a decision who made the 25.

"Djedje’s frustration at being unable to play is clear and he has said he sees his future away from Vicarage Road.

While he may not have a future at the club, Silva says Djedje he has been nothing but professional in his application around the training pitch.

“What I can say about Djedje is that since the first day since I came here he worked hard and well and is a good professional,” he said.

“I do not have anything bad to say about him.”