AIDY Boothroyd has today (Monday) confirmed that Jay DeMerit will miss the next month of the Championship season with a calf strain - and there is also unfortunately bad news concerning Junior Osborne.

DeMerit was carried from the pitch during the first half of Saturday's defeat to promotion rivals West Bromwich Albion at Vicarage Road.

Despite the bad news for the American the injury will allow other players a chance to stake a claim for a starting place for the Hornets.

Boothroyd said: "Its disappointing news concerning Jay, but it gives young Aidy Mariappa a chance and obviously I've pulled Matt Jackson back from Blackpool and we've got Malky Mackay as well. That's why we carry a big squad in case we lose good players like Jay, but thankfully we've got good players to come in."

Meanwhile defender Osborne has been forced to endure another operation on his cruciate ligament - this time on his opposite knee. This follows an injury hit last couple of years for the 19-year-old Academy graduate.

Boothroyd added: "We're all very disappointed for him, however it will make him stronger in the longer run.

"Obviously we will keep him on our books until we can get him fit and then make a decision on his future, but we will look after him because that's what we do here."

In other injury news, Jordan Parkes is back in training following his metatarsal injury. Winger Anthony McNamee is also back in training after coming off during the reserves' draw with Millwall at The Den last Tuesday. McNamee had suffered a groin tendon problem.

Midfielder Al Bangura is missing from action at the moment. The tough tackling 19-year-old only recently recovered after breaking his arm but has now damaged his ankle tendons and faces a further period on the sidelines. 

Finally Damien Francis is continuing with his rehabilitation from his cruciate ligament injury and he is approximately a month away from a return to action. 

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