Injuries not an excuse says new boy Gracia

JAVI GRACIA will be confronted by the enormity of Watford’s crippling injury list today, when the missing XI will arguably be stronger than his best available team.

For his first game in charge following Marco Silva’s sacking, Gracia admitted: “I’m not relaxed. I need a good result as it’s my first experience here.” But at St Mary’s, the former Malaga coach expects to be without Heurelho Gomes, Kiko Femenia, Molla Wague, Younes Kaboul, Craig Cathcart, Miguel Britos, Nathaniel Chalobah, Tom Cleverley, Isaac Success, Will Hughes and Troy Deeney.

Goalkeeper Gomes has back trouble, skipper Deeney is ill and they have not trained all week. Among the cast of crocks only Cleverley, Success and Kaboul are close to returning.

Gracia said: “I don’t think about the injured players – we have maybe 18 to choose from, and they’re strong enough to give a good performance. We need to go on in this competition to build the players’ confidence.

“I believe they can improve and get better results.”