Watford boss Walter Mazzarri faces the most challenging team selection of his tenure at West Brom on Saturday but insists it is up to the players handed an opportunity to prove they can become an important part of the side.

The Hornets have a spate of absentees this weekend due to injury and suspension. Younes Kaboul, Isaac Success and Ben Watson face fitness battles while defender Miguel Britos and midfielder Valon Behrami are banned for the trip to the Hawthorns.

It will be the biggest test of his squad’s depth but the head coach believes it is a chance for some fringe players to make an impact in the team.

Mazzarri said: “Since I’m here for sure it’s one of the moments where we have more doubts and it’s all been happening at the same time.

“But it’s ok, I’ve seen it happen in the past with some other teams I’ve managed and we need to go there and give everything we’ve got and not give any excuses.”

He added: “This is true [serious test of squad]. Sometimes you need these emergency moments, to understand which player hasn’t been playing much can be a starter or a player that hasn’t had an opportunity in the past can prove to myself and to the club he’s an important member of the team.”

Success has been out with a muscle injury since being handed his first start at Middlesbrough in October.

The powerful attacker has returned to training this week but may not be fit enough to feature against the Baggies.

The Hornets boss said: “Tomorrow we will decide. He’s ok now but he still needs more training so tomorrow we will see his condition and then decide. But from next week for sure he will be available.”

Ben Watson has been out of favour under Mazzarri this season although he was expected to be in the frame to replace Behrami this weekend.

But the midfielder has been injured over the last week which suggests Adlene Guedioura is in pole position to start the game.

Mazzarri said: “Watson was unavailable for over one week and today was his first training with the whole team. I will try as much as possible, first of all, to have him available and then I’ll see if he will start or not.

“He had some problems with a groin inflammation. I know he was unavailable for one week but is available now.”

Kaboul limped off injured in Sunday’s defeat to Stoke and his fitness could decide whether Watford stick with three centre backs this weekend.

The Watford boss said: “We will see and need to understand with him [Kaboul] tomorrow.

"We’ve playing very good with three at the back but now without Britos and Kaboul a doubt we will have to check tomorrow but will decide at the last moment.”