Javi Gracia has confirmed Christian Kabasele and Molla Wague are expected to return to first team training next week after long spells out.

Kabasele has not featured since injuring a hamstring late on in the 0-0 draw with Stoke City in January, while Wague was left out of Watford’s 25 man squad in February due to fitness issues.

There had been hope that a two-week break from action would allow the Hornets to bring a number of players back to fitness.

That, however, has not been the case and Gracia was unable to say when the likes of Tom Cleverley, Younes Kaboul and Nathaniel Chalobah will be back in training with the squad.

The Spaniard was handed a boost during the international break as Craig Cathcart played his first minutes of football since getting injured against Brighton in August.

Gracia was pleased to see the centre-back in action again and says he is an option for Watford’s clash against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.

He said: “I think it is very positive for him and the team as well he is a good player and is an option to play as a centre-back. I think the next seven games he will play with the team.

“He is an option this weekend as all the rest of the players are.”