Watford’s Imran Louza will miss 2022 FIFA World Cup after being ruled out of a few months after suffering a leg injury.
The Moroccan midfielder broke his leg on Wednesday during an EFL Championship defeat to Millwall on Wednesday.
Watford manager Slaven Bilić confirmed Louza’s situation on Friday during his pre-match press conference ahead of the Luton Town clash.
“Unfortunately, he’s going to be out for a long time,” Bilić began. “We’re still waiting on another opinion, but it will be a few months.
“He broke his fibula bone – that isn’t always big, it can sometimes be a few weeks – but the ligament is also damaged. When that’s damaged, it requires longer.
“It’s a big blow of course for us and the player. It is very hard, almost impossible to replace him. He is unique, but we have to change the way we play, be positive and he’ll be back. Hopefully, if he recovers well, he will be back for the crucial part of the season.”
Louza joined Watford in June from French Ligue 1 outfit Nantes for an undisclosed fee on a five-year deal.
Born to a Moroccan father and French mother, Louza has represented both countries at U20 level, while boasting with six appearances for the France U21 side.
He made his Morocco national team debut at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations but did not feature in their most recent friendlies after undergoing knee surgery in May.
