Roy Hodgson issues update on Ismaila Sarr's availability ahead of Watford v Brighton clash

Watford have travelled to West Ham United and Burnley in the space of four days - recording a slim 1-0 defeat and a goalless draw respectively in Hodgson's first two games in charge.

The Hornets have come through these two tests unscathed and could be handed a further boost with the return of winger Ismaila Sarr.

The 23-year-old has not played since the Hornets' since November after sustaining a knee injury during the 4-1 home win over ten-man Manchester United.

Sarr recovered in time to help his native Senegal lift the African Cup of Nations for the first time ever last month.

The winger is due to return to training today [Friday], and Hodgson will run the rule over the player to see if he is available for the Albion game on Saturday.

Hodgson said: "He comes back to training tomorrow [Friday], I think, so I shall see him then.

"It's a fantastic achievement for Senegal to win the African Cup of Nations and I'm sure he'll still be having a very warm glow in the aftermath of that victory.

"I can't say [if he will be available for Saturday]. I haven't met him even yet to be honest.

"So you know, the first thing will be to meet him and to speak to him and welcome him back to the fold and to congratulate him.

"And then the second thing will be you know, to have an assessment alongside him as to where he is and how he's feeling."

Watford midfielder Peter Etebo is slowly returning to full fitness following a quad injury he sustained in September.

The 26-year-old flew to Finland to meet his surgeon yesterday, and hopes to resume training with the team today.

Goalkeeper Rob Elliot is fit and available after recovering from a minor injury. Meanwhile, forward Kwadwo Baah has returned to full training after spending three months on the sidelines with a foot injury.

Defender Nicolas Nkoulou remains the Hornets' only long-term absentee due to a hamstring injury.