Watford are considering defensive reinforcements in January with injuries and the African Cup of Nations threatening to derail their recent progress.

While a run of strong performances have given the club cause for optimism, a growing injury list, a number of players departing for the AFCON and shaky defensive displays have given the Hornets cause to evaluate options they think could strengthen their chances of Premier League survival, once the transfer window opens next month.

Currently, centre backs Francisco Sierralta and Nicolas Nkoulou remain out injured, although Sierralta is expected to return before too long, while Adam Masina's thigh problem is expected to keep him out for a while, with no speculation yet made on a return date.

The club are expected to issue an update on his situation before the game against Brentford on Friday night.

Should Masina recover before the end of the month, which at this stage seems unlikely, he would then be part of the Morocco squad for the Cup of Nations, alongside teammate Imran Louza, who has only just begun to impress in the Watford midfield in recent weeks.

Centre back William Troost-Ekong will also be heading out to the international tournament, further depleting defensive options.

A left back is understood to be high on the club's list of priorities and, while they retain an interest in Hibernian's Josh Doig, it is thought they are looking for someone with greater experience at this stage, given their current situation.

Reports have also linked Watford to Leicester's Daniel Amartey in recent days, but the Ghanaian is expected to take part in the AFCON and so it seems unlikely that he would be drafted in now.

Some positive news for the Hornets is that striker Emmanuel Dennis is not expected to travel to Cameroon for the Cup of Nations, despite his impressive form this season.

Victor Osimhen (Napoli), Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester) and Paul Onuachu (Genk) are all ahead of him in the pecking order for the Super Eagles, according to sources familiar with the Nigerian set up.