Watford are assessing the fitness of defender Francisco Sierralta, who picked up a muscle injury while on international duty with Chile.

Footage from his nation's World Cup qualifier match against Ecuador showed the defender struggling towards the end of the match, but he was unable to be taken off due to the fact Chile had used all their substitutes.

Early reports from South America suggested that the centre back could have sustained a serious problem less than a month after returning from a previous injury.

However, club sources have today said that the damage is not expected to be as severe as those claims are making out.

While the player does need to be checked further following his return, it is hoped that the issue is only a minor one.

Nevertheless, he is not expected to be involved against Manchester United this weekend.