Howson and Brown Doubtful for Watford Game

Leeds United are awaiting news on the severity of Jonny Howson’s injury after seeing their captain limp out of Saturday’s victory over Millwall.Howson suffered a knee problem in the first half of United’s 2-0 win at Elland Road, leaving the field after contesting a challenge with Millwall midfielder Jimmy Abdou.The 22-year-old slid into a tackle in an attempt to dispossess Abdou on the edge of Millwall’s box, and Howson’s painful reaction led to his substitution soon after.He thought briefly about returning to the pitch but was withdrawn after discussions between manager Simon Grayson and club physiotherapist Harvey Sharman, and Grayson is hoping for a positive assessment amid concerns that United’s captain is facing a spell on the sidelines.Grayson said: “We’re not sure how badly damaged his knee is. He was on crutches at the end of the game when he came back out to the dug-out but it’s too early to diagnose at the moment.”Howson’s injury was one of two which forced Grayson into first-half alterations, and Michael Brown is an early doubt for this weekend’s visit to Watford after hurting an ankle.Brown was making only his seventh start of the season but Howson, who maintained an ever-present record during the 2010-11 campaign, has missed only one fixture through suspension this term.