UPDATE: Watford skipper Jay DeMerit has now been upgraded slightly to questionable for their weekend trip to Sheffield United after a good news exam result on his nicked hamstring.

by Greg Seltzer for Soccer365

Watford skipper Jay DeMerit is unlikely to take up his usual place in the heart of defense on Saturday after picking up a leg muscle injury in Tuesday's Carling Cup win over West Ham United.

The American Abroad, who left the contest near the end of 120 minutes, is now awaiting an exam verdict from club physios that should be clear by Thursday morning.

"Initially, we thought it was a cramp," Watford press officer Scott Field told Soccer365 on Wednesday evening. "Now, we see it could potentially be his hamstring."

"At this time, we would say he is doubtful for the weekend."

It is also unclear at the moment whether DeMerit's injury will exclude him from being called up by U.S. coach Bob Bradley for mid-October World Cup qualifiers against Cuba and Guatemala.

The Hornets, who travel to Sheffield United on Saturday, stand 17th in the Championship through seven matches.

UPDATE: Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd has given the news that DeMerit could still play against Sheffield United this weekend after a good news exam result for the U.S. defender.

"He's slightly more positive than he was yesterday," Field told Soccer365 on Thursday afternoon. "The hamstring's not quite as bad as it seemed."

"He is currently being assessed as to whether he will be able to play on Saturday. I'd rate him at about 50/50."

Soccer365 reporter Greg Seltzer blogs daily over at No Short Corners.

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