Nathaniel Chalobah has joined up with the England squad as he continues his rehabilitation from a fractured kneecap.

The uncapped Watford man was invited to the Three Lions' training camp by England manager Gareth Southgate.

It is understood the former Chelsea man will remain with the squad as they prepare to face Holland and Italy in friendlies.

The Three Lions' 27-man squad are at St George's Parkas Soutgate weighs up his options and assesses his squad ahead of the World Cup this summer.

The 23-year-old has been out with a knee injury since September and is undergoing rehabilitation at St George's Park this week.

Despite the positive news, Chalobah is still likely to face a prolonged wait before being fit to play again and Javi Gracia confirmed he has not been training with the squad last week.

That update came after the Watford head coach reveled Chalobah may not feature again this season last month.

“I am not sure [if he will be back this season]. I can’t tell you anything about that,” Gracia said.

“He is injured and I think he doesn’t come back in the next days and he will be injured for a long period.

“I am concentrating more on the players who will be able to come back in the next days or weeks. I don’t know how long he will be out for.”

Chalobah looked to become a part of Southgate’s plans when earning his first call up at the start of the season.

However, he suffered the serious injury in Watford training soon after making his maiden Three Lions squad.

After working with Chalobah on numerous occasions at Under-21 level, Southgate is better placed than most to assess his qualities.

He clearly rates the Watford number 14, who joined the Hornets on a five-year deal for an initial £5 million in July.

Chalobah has served a sizable apprenticeship in the national side’s junior ranks and had racked up 97 appearances across various age groups.

A desire to play more was the driving force behind his decision to trade in Stamford Bridge for Vicarage Road and was expected to be a key player for the Hornets before getting injured.