Slavisa Jokanovic said the knee injury Watford defender Joel Ekstrand suffered against Ipswich Town today “might be serious” and the Hornets boss also explained why Fernando Forestieri was not included in the Hornets squad.

Swedish international Ekstrand collided with Tyron Mings during the first half and immediately signalled to the bench that he was injured.

After receiving several minutes of treatment, he was stretchered off and was replaced by Gabriele Angella.

Jokanovic confirmed Ekstrand hadn’t been taken to hospital when he conducted his post-match interview and the defender left Vicarage Road on crutches after the defeat.

Jokanovic said: “Ekstrand has a knee problem. We must check his situation. At the moment I don’t know how bad it is, however, it might be serious.”

Forestieri was a surprise omission from the Golden Boys squad. The club revealed before the game he had suffered ‘a knock’ and Jokanovic explained: “Forestieri had a physical problem. That is the reason he wasn’t on the field or on the bench. It is just an injury.”

Almen Abdi was absent following the hamstring problem he sustained against Reading last weekend.

When asked if there was any update on the Swiss midfielder, Jokanovic said: “We must asses him. I expect he will soon be ready to help us.”