Javi Gracia says there is no reason to risk Gerard Deulofeu’s fitness after confirming the winger will miss the visit of Manchester United to Vicarage Road.

The former Barcelona man is one of just two Watford players unavailable for the clash with United and joins Tom Cleverley in missing out.

Cleverley will not be back for some time yet but it had been hoped Deulofeu, who has a muscular problem, would benefit from the two-week international break and could return on Saturday.

However, Gracia says there is no need to rush Deulofeu back given Watford’s current strong position and expects the 24-year-old to return soon.

Gracia said: “Gerard has a little pain, but it is better to wait one week more because we are in September and we have time.

“It is better to recover the players well and when they come back they will be ready to play and train without pain. I am not concerned about his situation.”

Gracia says being out injured has been hard for Deulofeu since his permanent arrival this summer, but says he is sure Deulofeu will come back stronger.

He said: “In this moment it is not easy for him but when he is back he will be ready to play during all the season and will show what he can do