It looks unlikely that either Alex Geijo or Cristian Battocchio will feature this weekend against the high-flying Huddersfield Town.

Watford fans will once again have to wait the for the opportunity to watch Geijo, despite the striker joining the club seven weeks ago.

Geijo notched 26 goals in 36 matches whilst on loan at Granada two seasons ago to help the club to promotion.

But he suffered an injury setback early into the 2011/12 campaign and was unable to regain his form in La Liga.

Geijo agreed a season-long loan with Watford from Italian side Udinese on August 9 but has struggled with fitness issues - he was set to return after the international break but picked up a groin problem.

Zola admitted this weekend would be too soon for the 6ft Swiss-born striker when he spoke to the Watford Observer yesterday and that the Charlton fixture next Tuesday may be a more realistic target.

Another player who has not featured lately is fellow Udinese loanee Battocchio, who made a brief substitute appearance at Derby on September 1 but has not been involved since returning from international duty with Italy Under-20s.

Hornets head coach Gianfranco Zola said: "Battocchio came back from the national team with a problem with his groin and we’re just taking it easy as we don’t want it to get any worse. Yesterday (Monday) and today (Tuesday) he’s been training with Geijo and he should be available shortly."

"I don’t think they will be available for the weekend, maybe for Charlton," Zola added.

Watford Observer: Stephen McGinn has praised John Eustace's contribution. Picture: Action Images

Zola also revealed that John Eustace is close to returning to the training ground after missing the previous seven games following back surgery. Eustace has been training at a specialist centre and is recovering well, although no date has been given for his return.

Zola said: "He is doing strengthening work and he’s getting better. I don’t know when he’s going to start [full training], hopefully next week he will start training on the pitch. I spoke to him and he hasn’t got pain any more and that’s very important."