Molla Wague, signed on deadline day to provide more cover to Watford's injury-hit defence, was not a player recommended to the club by Marco Silva, it is fair to say.

Wague, who played only seven times for Udinese and loan club Leicester last season, joined the Hornets from Pozzo-owned Udinese, alongside goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis.

It was always unlikely the 26-year-old would make his debut for Watford tomorrow at Southampton even if fit - having missed most of the past two weeks on international duty with Mali.

Silva unsurprisingly called the idea "impossible" but also made clear he had not even had a chance to properly analyse the player before he arrived at Vicarage Road.

He said: "For this match? It’s impossible. It’s impossible. Really it’s impossible. It’s one player that didn’t play last season, he’s another player with a big injury last season too.

"We give time to him. He’s one player that I’m clear – I don’t know very well. I analysed some games, but not enough. I need to give time to him and it’s impossible for the next match."