Watford forward Mauro Zarate suffers ruptured cruciate ligament

Mauro Zarate has confirmed that he suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament during Watford's 1-1 draw with West Ham United on Saturday.

The January signing from Fiorentina was stretchered off after twisting his knee towards the end of the first half at Vicarage Road.

A scan on Sunday confirmed serious damage, and Zarate is now facing months of rehabilitation just three matches into his Watford career.

He wrote on Instagram: "Thank you everyone for your messages in this horrible moment.

"With sadness I inform you that the results show the following: anterior cruciate ligament rupture plus a Grade 1 injury of medial collateral ligament.

"I will face this with all my strength and will come back stronger than before."

Zarate has made a total of 12 appearances so far this season for Watford and Fiorentina.