Troy Deeney will step up his recovery from a groin injury this week and return to full training for the first time this summer, Marco Silva has revealed.

The Hornets captain looks certain to miss next weekend's Premier League opener with Liverpool at Vicarage Road, with Stefano Okaka and Jerome Sinclair the Hornets' only attacking cover - pending the status of incoming Brazilian youngster Richarlison's work permit.

But Silva had some good news about his 29-year-old striker, but no return date for fellow forward and long-term absentee Mauro Zarate - injured in a 1-1 draw with West Ham inFebruary.

He said: "Zarate has a different injury to most, and we need more time for him. Troy, we expect to work next week with us with some preparations.

"Some of our players have only had 2-3 weeks in pre-season because of injuries, but that comes from last season but everyone has started to work and that is good for us.

"Kabasele had a small problem against Aston Villa, and Cathcart played 90 minutes last week, and he needs to have some help but it’s nothing serious."