Tom Cleverley will be out until at least after the March international break after sustaining ligament damage in Watford's 2-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers.

The midfielder was substituted late on during the match as the Hornets got back to winning ways and a scan today has revealed the damage.

The club has described the injury as "minor" and said the stand-in captain could miss as few as four matches.

Cleverley told the club website he was hoping to be back before a final run of games that sees Watford face Reading, Norwich, Brentford and Swansea within their final six matches.

“I'm really upbeat about this given what it could have been,” he said.

“I've loved being in the thick of the action this season, and especially these last few weeks, so I'll be working hard to be back involved as soon as I can for the all-important run-in.”

With Cleverley injured, alongside Dan Gosling, and Nathaniel Chalobah still suspended for this weekend's match with Nottingham Forest the Hornets today announced the signing of 35-year-old free agent Carlos Sanchez, as they look to bolster their available options.