Orestsis Karnezis was absent from the Watford bench for the Boxing Day win over Leicester due to a back complaint.

Although the Greek international keeper has made just one Hornets appearance since signing on loan from Udinese in August, he has been the regular understudy to number one Huerelho Gomes.

That role on Boxing Day instead went to Daniel Bachman, who has previously had to make do with being third in line since signing from Stoke in the summer.

“It can be a matter of selection, but Karnezis did the warm up in the previous match, against Brighton, and felt something in his back,” said Hornets boss Marco Silva.

“It was to protect him, as it wasn't the best conditions for the match. We have the same confidence in Daniel, and he will work with us from the bench.”