Javi Gracia has confirmed Troy Deeney will miss Watford’s Carabao Cup tie with Tottenham Hotspur but has praised the striker’s determination to play through pain.

Deeney was always likely to be rested for the tomorrow night’s meeting with Spurs and Gracia is expected to make a host of changes for the game at Stadium MK.

The Watford skipper revealed he played Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Fulham with three broken toes and required a painkilling injection to feature at craven Cottage, leading Gracia to highlight Deeney’s commitment to the cause.

“The last weeks he had some different problems but always trained and he was available [for the Fulham game]. For me, it was not a problem,” Gracia said.

“I know Troy always competes very well and I do not know what problem he had in the last game. In this moment he is not training with us.”

While Deeney will miss the Carabao Cup clash, the striker has already confirmed he will be available for the Premier League game with Arsenal on Saturday.

Gracia confirmed the forward, who has scored twice in the league this season, will be available for the visit to the Emirates Stadium.

He said: “For tomorrow Troy is not available but I am sure he will be ready for the Arsenal game.”