Watford could be given a confidence boost before they even set foot on the pitch against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

Will Hughes’ absence has been harshly felt recently, with the Hornets struggling to create chances in their past two games.

But the midfielder has an outside shot of being ready for a return.

Head coach Marco Silva said: “We’ll see how he reacts, he’s got one more session before the Brighton game. He worked with us on Thursday.”

Kiko Femenia will miss the game with injury, with Younes Kaboul, Miguel Britos, Craig Cathcart and Nathaniel Chalobah joining him on the sidelines.

Troy Deeney, Marvin Zeegelaar and Abdoulaye Doucoure are also banned.