DAMIEN Francis joined the long-term injury list this week with news that he will miss the rest of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The ex-Wigan man joins fellow Hornets' midfielder Gareth Williams on the sidelines and will now look towards the next league campaign. 

 The Hornets got to Sheffield United facing a side in need of points to distance themselves from the Premiership relegation zone.

In other team news Moses Ashikodi will not feature again this season after breaking his leg while on loan at Bradford City.

After picking up relatively few long-term injuries this season the Hornets' sick list is starting to grow at an alarming rate.

James Chambers, who was carried off against Blackburn last Wednesday, is rated as 50/50 by the Vicarage Road medical team.

The same applies for Jordan Stewart and Darius Henderson who both are battling to be fit for the visit to Bramall Lane.

Tommy Smith has already been ruled out of the fixture with Neil Warnock's men and will now look to be fit for the final away game with Reading.

The Hornets' ever-expanding injury list may give further opportunities to January recruits Johan Cavalli and Douglad Rinaldi as well as ex-Rotherham duo Lee Williamson and Will Hoskins.

Ex-Sheffield United striker Steve Kabba is ruled out of the game - it was a feature in his contract when he signed for the 'Orns in the January transfer window.