The Egyptian midfielder was forced off the pitch on the half-hour mark following a tackle from Nathaniel Chalobah. He was subsequently replaced by Hayden Coulson.
However, it was Xisco Munoz’s side who opened the scoring in the 32nd minute after deflecting Phillip Zinkernagel’s shot past goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.
That deficit woke Neil Warnock’s men from their slumber as the game headed towards the break. Despite a series of corner kicks and attacking forays, Watford goalie Daniel Bachmann put up a good showing to stop efforts from Paddy McNair, Neeskens Kebano, and Djed Spence.
The second half produced a big spark as both clubs raised the standard of their play to seal all points at stake, but there were no goals to show for it.