WATFORD midfielder Ken Sema has been forced to withdraw from the Sweden squad for their forthcoming World Cup qualifying games.

The 28-year-old had been called up for his country but has withdrawn from the squad due to injury, which has not been disclosed, and replaced by KV Mechelen's Kerim Mrabti.

It now looks likely that Sema will not be available for Watford's trip to play Arsenal at the Emirates in the Premier League, on Sunday.

That is the Hornets' final game, before the international break.

Sweden visit Georgia next Thursday (November 11) before travelling to play Spain on Sunday, November 14.

Sweden coach Janne Andersson told the national team's website: "Sad that Ken needs to cancel, I hope of course that he is back as soon as possible.

"We have followed Kerim who did well in Mechelen.

"He has been with us earlier on the January tour so we know what qualities he has.

"It will be fun to work with him again."

Sema, who joined Watford in the summer of 2018, has made eight appearances for them so far this season, six of them in the Premier League.

He appeared as a half-time substitute for Cucho Hernandez in the Hornets' 1-0 defeat to Southampton at Vicarage Road, last weekend.

After facing Arsenal, Claudio Ranieri’s side face Manchester United on November 20 in their next Premier League match.