Watford boss Walter Mazzarri insists injuries must not be used as an excuse for his club's recent slide down the Premier League.
The Hornets are in the midst of an injury crisis heading into Saturday's Emirates FA Cup third-round tie against Burton - a situation made worse by the fever that has swept through the squad this week.
Four defeats in five matches have placed the club under pressure, but Mazzarri will not hide behind the circumstances that have thinned his playing options to the bare bones.
"I'm the number one fan of my players and will always take care of them,'' Mazzarri said.