Tom Cleverley may not feature again before the end of the season, Watford boss Javi Gracia has confirmed.

A hamstring injury sustained in the 0-0 draw at Stoke City has kept the midfielder sidelined since the end of January and he is still someway off being fit to play.

Gracia couldn’t put a definitive timeline on the midfielder’s return and says he is behind both Gerard Deulofeu (broken toe) and Nathaniel Chalobah (fractured kneecap) in his recovery.

“In this moment I can’t tell you if it will be possible to see him again this season,” Gracia said.

“Chalobah and Deulofeu are not training with the team but are improving day-by-day and Cleverley is another situation. He is behind them.

“He is working out of the team but not at the same level as Chalobah and Gerard.”

Watford’s injury crisis in defence has lessened somewhat in recent weeks and Gracia confirmed both Craig Cathcart and Christian Kabasele are in contention to start against Huddersfield Town tomorrow.

Cathcart came off the bench against Bournemouth, but selection would represent an immediate recall for Kabasele should he start.

The Spaniard also had positive news on Younes Kaboul, who has played just two games this season but has begun to step up his rehabilitation.

Gracia said: “We have in this moment Kabasele in full training and Kaboul is in training but is not ready to play yet.”