A host of Watford players have been struggling with illness in the build-up to tomorrow’s meeting with Crystal Palace, Javi Gracia revealed.

Sebastian Prodl as well as three other players Gracia refused to name have been struck with a stomach virus, while Gerard Deulofeu is struggling with a throat infection.

Only Prodl is expected to miss the game through illness - Deulofeu will likely miss out as he continues to recover from a stress fracture on his foot - and Gracia is hopeful the others will be in peak condition.

“Deulofeu was sick this week and Prodl has been ill all week,” Gracia said “Prodl didn’t train for the whole week and three other players were affected..

“It is a stomach problem, but I am sure they are recovered and available to play and I am sure they will be in the best condition possible.”

While the news of illness sweeping through Watford’s London Colney training centre will do little to relax nerves ahead of the Eagles’ visit, Gracia can at least benefit from no new injury issues.

In fact, he will be able to call on Jose Holebas once again after missing the loss against Huddersfield with a back injury.

Gracia said: “Jose had pain in his back last week the day before we went to Huddersfield and in the beginning of the week he didn’t train.

“After the second day he trained with the team and is available for the next game. He is an important player for us and we need all the players.”