Tom Cleverley will return for Watford's televised clash with Sheffield Wednesday tonight but fans will have to wait to see the return of Hornets legend Heidar Helguson.

Malky Mackay last week claimed Helguson should return for tonight's match at Vicarage Road after the striker missed Tuesday night's draw at Ipswich Town and Saturday's win over Middlesbrough.

The Iceland international suffered a calf strain during his superb second 'debut' a month ago and has been receiving state-of-the-art treatment in recent weeks in a bid to return.

But yesterday Mackay confirmed: "Heidar is out for Friday. But he is coming on well and we hope he is going to be back training early next week."

The effects of Helguson's absence have been minimised due to the impressive form of Danny Graham and Tom Cleverley, who are both averaging a goal every two games in the Championship this season.

Watford seemed to miss the creative influence of Cleverley on Tuesday after the on-loan Manchester United midfielder suffered mild concussion on Saturday.

Cleverley was expected to feature on Tuesday but in the end the Hornets medical staff decided not to take the risk.

Mackay refused to blame the 20-year-old's absence for the below-par display on Tuesday but admitted it was "great" to have him back for tonight's game.

The Hornets boss said: "Tom is back training at the moment and will be available for Friday.

"Obviously Tom is one of the players who has come in and hit the ground running and it is great to have him back."

Watford are again without Jay DeMerit, who had eye surgery on Saturday, but apart from that, they have a full squad to choose from.

Sheffield Wednesday are two points behind the 12th-placed Hornets in the table but the Owls have only won once on the road this campaign.

The match, which kicks off at 7.45pm, is live on Sky Sports 1 but Mackay insists that won't provide his players with added motivation.

The manager said: "If I am being honest, it makes no difference to us in terms of preparation and if you start thinking of other factors then you have a problem. The players are focussed on the game."