Despite being asked on numerous occasions, and in a variety of different ways, head coach Slaven Bilic didn’t want to talk much about the absence of Ismaila Sarr for Watford’s 0-0 draw with Hull this afternoon.

Sarr played for Senegal a week ago when they were knocked out of the World Cup by England, but the forward was not involved – or even at Vicarage Road – for today’s game.

His Senegal teammate Iliman Ndiaye, who was also part of the World Cup squad, played 81 minutes yesterday for Sheffield United as they beat Huddersfield 1-0, and Bilic had said at his pre-match press conference on Friday that he hoped Sarr would be playing as well.

The Hornets boss had intimated on Friday that he expected Sarr to be back training yesterday (Saturday), but he wasn’t and Bilic didn’t want to be drawn into discussing the situation at any great length.

“I said what I had to say on Friday, and that’s enough. I don’t really want to say much more,” he said.

“We expected him back yesterday and I hoped he would be involved today.

“Of course we miss Sarr. If had been here yesterday, of course I would have played him. He didn’t come, he wasn’t at training yesterday, so he was out. From then on I was totally concentrated on the game.

“I hoped he would be here, he wasn’t here, so that’s it.”

When asked if he anticipated Sarr being at training this week, Bilic said: “Of course I expect him back this week. I expected him back even earlier.

“I know it is a very interesting story for the media, but I said what I said already. I don’t want to say any more.”

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