Gerard Deulofeu is fit and set to be available for the start of the new Premier League season.

The winger, who’s loan move from Barcelona was made permanent this summer, has not featured for the Hornets so far during pre-season, even leading to claims in some quarters that he requires an operation.

However, the Watford Observer has been told these suggestions are not true, and the former Everton loanee has been eased back as a precaution having been sidelined with a stress fracture to his foot last season.

Nathaniel Chalobah has been pictured in training by Watford this week and Abdoulaye Doucoure, who signed a new five-year deal at Vicarage Road today, is expected to also be ready to face Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, August 11.

This underlines comments made by Javi Gracia following Saturday’s friendly win over Brentford.

Asked about the French midfielder, the Hornets head coach said: “I think he will be fit to start the season. In this moment Doucoure feels some pain and needs to rest a couple of days and I think for next week he will be ready.

“Gerard and Chalobah finished last season injured and in this moment they are not available yet and in the next week I think they can be with the team.”