Two of the players that have been sidelined recently will be back in contention when Championship fixtures resume later this month.

Jeremy Ngakia has been out for some time but is now back with the squad, along with goalkeeper Dan Bachmann who has been absent since picking up an injury in the defeat at Norwich.

However, defenders Francisco Sierralta and Kevin Keben will be sidelined for longer.

“Ngakia has returned well and in a very good condition, and he gives us an option on either side,” said Tom Cleverley.

“You’ve seen England playing Trippier on the opposite side during the Euros.

“Our wing-backs are doing fantastic in an attacking sense, but I’ve openly demanded more from them in the defensive aspect.

“Jeremy is a great option to have on both sides, right and left.

“We all know he’s been very unlucky with his injury record, and we have to manage him whole he has to manage himself.

“If he stays fit, he’s a really big player for us.

“I think it’s important players feel ready when they’re coming back, especially as he’s facing Luton, Leeds, Blackburn, so we’ll possibly use the Under-21 games to get him time on the pitch.

“Bachmann is fit to play now and he’s not been out as long as Jeremy, so we wouldn’t put him into an Under-21 game.

“Sierralta is still just not quite ready and Keben is on the right track but we’re still three or four weeks away from seeing him.”

With three defenders having been injured, it has left the Hornets looking light at the back, but Antonio Tikvic has only made two appearances as a sub in the Carabao Cup.

“I didn’t think we would be light in defence when you looked at it at the start of the season,” Cleverley admitted.

“I wouldn’t say Tikvic’s development plan is behind schedule because he only played one game for Udinese last season, and this is a challenging environment to be thrust into.

“But he trains fantastically and is a great character, and although he probably wants to hear that he’s going to play 15 or 20 games this season, I will give credit to any player who wants to do all they can to develop themselves and he certainly does that.”