Despite representing Ecuador at the Copa America Watford wing-back Juan Carlos Paredes will join his Hornets teammates in reporting back for pre-season training next Monday.

The 27-year-old has spent the last month with La Tricolor and started all three of their matches at the South American competition. 

Ecuador suffered defeats to Chile and Bolivia at the tournament but claimed their first points of the Copa on Friday after defeating Mexico 2-1.

However, it wasn’t enough to seal their place in the knockout stages. Ecuador finished third in Group A behind Chile and Bolivia and their record wasn’t good enough to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.

La Tricolor’s elimination was confirmed last night and it means Paredes has a week off before he is expected to return to the Golden Boys’ London Colney training ground.

The one Watford player who will not be beginning pre-season training next Monday is Miguel Layun.

He is currently with the Mexico national team as they prepare for the Gold Cup, which runs from July 7 to July 29.