Imran Louza: Watford's Morocco midfielder 'out for few months' with broken leg

Imran Louza injured his left leg after just 18 minutes against Millwall

Watford midfielder Imran Louza has been ruled out "for a few months" with a broken leg - an injury that will see him miss the World Cup with Morocco.

Hornets boss Slaven Bilic confirmed the 23-year-old had fractured his fibula and suffered ligament damage in Wednesday's defeat by Millwall.

Meanwhile a Football Association charge against Louza - for allegedly spitting at a Swansea player - has been dropped.

He had faced a six-match ban if found guilty of the allegation.

The FA said on Friday that the charge had been "not proven".

Louza played for Morocco at this year's Africa Cup of Nations but did not feature in their most recent friendlies after having knee surgery in May.

"It's a big blow," said Bilic when asked about the injury.

"Unfortunately he will be out for long. We are still waiting for another opinion but he will be out for a few months."

All of Louza's appearances for Watford this season have come under Bilic, with the midfielder regaining fitness following his summer surgery after former boss Rob Edwards was sacked in September.

Louza, who signed a new deal with the Hornets while still recovering, has started three of the five games he has featured in and has scored twice since making his return earlier this month.

"He is a player that is hard or impossible to replace," said Croat Bilic. "He is the one that is kind of unique; we don't have that kind of replacement.

"We have to change the way we play and be positive. He will be back and hopefully if he recovers well - which he will because he is a strong character - he will be back for the crucial time of the season."

Watford are 15th in the Championship table and play at home against fifth-placed Luton on Sunday.