Manuel Almunia could be fit to return for Watford's game with league-leaders Cardiff City on Saturday.

The experienced goalkeeper has not featured for the Hornets since February 23 due to a hamstring injury but he returned to training this week.

Watford head coach Gianfranco Zola said: "Manuel trained for the first time yesterday and he will train again tomorrow. So it is looking good and he is making progress so we will decide after training tomorrow."

Despite the odd mistake, youngster Jonathan Bond has excelled in the absence of Almunia and enhanced his already impressive reputation.

But Zola has stated Almunia will return for the promotion run-in once fit.

The Golden Boys' boss said: "Jonathan Bond has not let the team down and he has played very well. But the goalkeeper before his injury was Manuel Almunia and it remains Manuel Almunia.

"However, we can sleep well with Jonathan Bond in goal. It is important that we feel secure even if Manuel doesn't make it and with Jonathan we have good protection."

One player who certainly won't feature is Fitz Hall, after the defender suffered another hamstring injury in just his second game back following two months out with a similar problem.

Zola said: "Hall had a scan today and I still don't know the outcome of the results.

"He said it didn't feel as bad as it did the other times so hopefully he won't be out too long.

"Fitz obviously won't be available on Saturday but beyond that I won't know how long he will be out until we get the results of the scan."

Jonathan Hogg missed Tuesday's game with Hull City due to a minor muscle strain but he should return against Malky Mackay's Cardiff.

Hogg had a scan yesterday and was training on his own today, with the expectation he would rejoin the squad on Friday.

On-loan Fulham defender Matthew Briggs is the only new injury doubt after he was forced off midweek with a minor injury.

So Watford could be without four centre backs on Saturday but Zola insists he isn't short of defensive cover.

Zola said: "I do not think Matthew Briggs' injury is a big problem and any way, we have cover in Marco Cassetti, who has played very well in the middle of defence.

"We also have the likes of Craig Forsyth who is on loan at Derby and can be recalled if needed, Carl Dickinson hasn't played much but can fill in if needed and also Adam Thompson provides cover. Thompson is young but has been training well.

"So I am not concerned by our recent injuries in defence."