Juan Carlos Paredes could be handed a lifeline for his Watford career, the Watford Observer understands.

The Ecuadorian right-back has been frozen out of the Hornets’ season so far, missing out on their 25-man Premier League squad and featuring only in August’s League Cup defeat to Gillingham.

But head coach Walter Mazzarri is now considering bringing him back into the fold and close to abandoning the back-three formation he has favoured at Vicarage Road to date.

Mazzarri, should he continue in his role beyond January, is likely to favour a back four in the second half of the season, something which would spell a surprising reconciliation for the 29-year-old.

Paredes had been allowed time off over Christmas and New Year to train in Ecuador, partly due to his omission from the Watford squad.

But owner Gino Pozzo has since requested he return to England, and he is likely to feature in Saturday’s FA Cup game with Burton Albion.