Stefano Okaka has been given no explanation why he has been given a two-month exile from Watford's matchday squads, the Watford Observer understands.

There have been reports the burly Italian striker has had a falling out with head coach Marco Silva or has requested a move away from Vicarage Road, but the pair's relationship remains as it has been since they first worked together in June.

One thing that has changed, though, is the 28-year-old's inclusion in the squad - he played in the majority of Watford's pre-season friendlies and scored twice, against Rangers and Plzen, but since netting on the opening day of the season against Liverpool has not seen a minute of first-team action.

Okaka has been given no specific as to his absence, we understand, as to why he has failed to even make the bench since August 19, and believes he is giving his best in training at London Colney.

With that in mind the player is inclined to believe pure footballing reasons are behind the decision, with Silva's style of a particularly high intensity and not well-suited to the bustling forward.

He was withdrawn against the Reds after an hour and later said to be exhausted with that all-energy style by Silva, but the player himself believes he is still working his way back to full fitness after missing four months of last season, and starting only seven times since his return in January.

His absence has been largely down to the re-emergence of Troy Deeney since his own return from injury in August, and it is likely he will get a first appearance in Silva's 18 at Everton on Sunday given the captain's three-game suspension.

Whether he will see any first-team action is another matter, and while Okaka does want to force his way back into contention at Vicarage Road, he is under no illusion that he is out of favour with the Hornets.

We understand Okaka will not look to stay at Watford beyond January if he cannot engineer gametime before then - and with the Hornets likely to re-visit their past interest in Leicester striker Islam Slimani, he may have less than three months left in a Golden Boys shirt.