Watford defender Francisco Sierralta will be absent for at least the next two weeks, the Watford Observer understands.

The Chilean had been missing since the beginning of October due to an injury, but had been declared fit enough to return in time for the defeat at Arsenal.

While he was included in the matchday squad, he watched on from the bench at the Emirates and played no part.

Following that match, the centre back played for Chile during the international break and picked up a hamstring problem that ruled him out of Saturday's 4-1 win against Manchester United.

While reports elsewhere suggested that Sierralta may be missing for some time, club sources said they were hopeful that it would not be a long term problem.

Since then, the Watford Observer has been told that it is too early to offer a definitive return date, but that he will be assessed again in two weeks time, having already started treatment on the problem.

During that time, Watford are set to face Leicester City, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Elsewhere, Ismaila Sarr's injury also requires further assessment after he was forced out of Saturday's match midway through the second half.

At full time, head coach Claudio Ranieri played down the problem, saying: "I didn't want to risk him. He runs a lot. I don't know if it was the knee. In the next days, the doctor will see everything."

The club are expected to provide a further update on Sarr's progress ahead of their trip to Leicester this weekend, but at this stage it looks unlikely he will be available.