Younes Kaboul could provide some welcome relief to Watford’s injury woes in defence when the Hornets travel to Southampton on Saturday.

Injuries to Craig Cathcart, Sebastian Prodl and Kaboul, as well as the suspension of Miguel Britos, had left the club looking short at the back in anticipation of the trip to St Mary’s.

But 31-year-old Kaboul has returned to full training this week and is in contention to partner Christian Kabasele on the south coast, relieving a headache for head coach Marco Silva.

Prodl limped out of Austria’s 1-0 defeat in Wales on Saturday before half-time with a knock which is not considered to be serious and he could also make the squad, although his fate will not be decided until tomorrow.

It gives the Hornets some welcome options, with Adrian Mariappa or new boy Molla Wague - who has spent his first week with the club away on international duty with Mali - in line for a surprise start had matters not improved.

Regular Daryl Janmaat should also be fit to return to the right-back slot if selected, but Roberto Pereyra faces a race against time to make the squad. The pair, along with Kaboul, were both injured in the opening-day draw with Liverpool on August 12.

Silva said: “Kaboul, Janmaat and Pereyra have started to work with the team.

“I believe the first two will be ready, but we’ll see with Pereyra [on Friday]. Prodl has a small problem, but we also will take a decision on Friday.”