The striker has been left out of the starting line-up for the third game in a row as Boro boss Gordon Strachan attempts to secure a first league away win of the season.
Strachan has made three changes to the side that beat Reading 3-1 last weekend.
One is enforced, with Matthew Bates replacing the injured Justin Hoyte, and the others see Gary O'Neil and Andy Halliday coming into the midfield in preference to Nicky Bailey and Tarmo Kink.
WATFORD (4-4-2): Loach; Hodson, Mariappa, M Taylor, Doyley; Buckley, Eustace, Mutch, Cowie; Graham, Sordell.
Subs: Gilmartin (gk), Walker, Deeney, McGinn, Bryan, Whichelow, Oshodi.
MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Steele; Bates, Wheater, McManus, Arca; O'Neil, Tavares, Robson, Halliday; Lita, McDonald.
Subs: Coyne (gk), Hines, McMahon, Bailey, Kink, L Williams, Boyd.
Source: Northern Echo
Source: Northern Echo