Xisco Munoz has said now is the moment for Francisco Sierralta to work hard to earn his place in the Watford team.

The defender has been absent from both of the last two league squads, after scoring an own goal in the 2-0 home defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He was also involved in a 3-1 home defeat to Championship side Stoke City in the Carabao Cup.

Asked about the Chilean's situation after a draw with Newcastle United at the weekend, the head coach said he was one of a few players who needed to "work more hard" in training to show that they belong in his side.

"This is the rules. I have 23 players. Also, Dan Gosling is out, we have different players can't stay [in the team]," said Munoz.

"Fletcher, Louza, only they have to work more hard in the week and try to give all the best for our team.

"We are a strong squad and sometimes you're in the first 11, sometimes you're out of the list. It's the moment for everyone to work very hard to take the positions."

Whether or not Sierralta will be included for this weekend's trip to Leeds remains to be seen, but Munoz will be looking to tighten his defence after a sloppy performance against Newcastle that would likely have been punished by more potent opponents.

Watford's expected goals (xG) for the match was 0.77, while their visitors had an xG as high as 2.23, suggesting the Hornets were fortunate not to have been on the receiving end of a loss.

The head coach said he was looking for more consistency from his players, in both attack and defence.

"I know exactly what we need today about our performance," he said.

"I'm disappointed about this because the team is ready to have a more consistent performance."