Watford will again be short at the back as they travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with Sebastian Prodl and Younes Kaboul still more than a week away from a return.

The defensive duo are due to return to training within the next 10 days, but are yet to rejoin their teammates on the pitch at London Colney and are still undergoing individual rehabilitation.

It means the Hornets will be again left with three fit senior centre-backs - Christian Kabasele, Adrian Mariappa and Miguel Britos - as well as Molla Wague, although Marco Silva has proved loathe to use the Malian unless required.

They used the trio to good effect against Arsenal on Saturday, however, starting with a back three utilising all of the above regulars, but reverted to a 4-2-3-1, Silva’s usual formation, later in the game.

There is no further progress for two players missing from Watford’s squad for longer periods.

Nathaniel Chalobah and Isaac Success remain long-term absentees, with both sidelined by training ground injuries, and Silva said it was “too early” to put a date on any possible return date for the former.

Chalobah has been missing since before the 2-1 away win at Swansea City. While the Hornets had to adjust to life without the 22-year-old at first, they have found a willing replacement in Etienne Capoue.