Troy Deeney remains absent from training but there is optimism the Watford talisman will end his exile to play a role in their relegation battle.
The Hornets captain has opted out of non-contact training due to the health risks linked to the coronavirus and still hadn’t reported for duty on Wednesday.
But there is now hope their influential striker will return to the club’s London Colney base ahead of the season restart.
Troy Deeney said he would not return to Watford training amid fears over the coronavirus
Manager Nigel Pearson revealed last week that he was missing six first-team players during the first week of phase one training.