Watford boss Javi Gracia admits Troy Deeney's appeal against his red card in defeat to Arsenal has been rejected.

Deeney was sent off in the 11th minute at Vicarage Road, shortly after Arsenal scored the goal that gave them a 1-0 win to go fourth in the Premier League standings.

Gracia has confirmed during Thursday's press conference that the club had lost an appeal against the red card.

"I saw the game again and it does not change my opinion," said Gracia. "For me, it is not a red card.

"The club appealed but I think we have lost, and we have to play the next games without Troy.

"We have to be ready to compete without him. We never complain about the players we don't have, we prefer to value the players we have and try to choose the best XI to start."