Valon Behrami will be given as long as possible to prove his fitness ahead of Monday’s game with Liverpool at Vicarage Road.

The Switzerland international is expected to leave Watford this summer but his presence anchoring their midfield was missed at Hull City on Saturday.

Although Behrami was an unused substitute at both the KCOM Stadium and against Swansea City the previous week, he is yet to return to full fitness after being taken off at half-time at Crystal Palace on March 18 with a leg injury.

“I don’t know,” said head coach Walter Mazzarri when asked if Behrami would be able to play some part against the Reds. “We’ve got a couple of days’ training left first. I will see who’s where at the end of that.

“Until today, he has been training very well, though.”

Craig Cathcart could be set for another spell on the sidelines having missed the last two games in an injury-hit season for the Northern Ireland man.

Mazzarri did not rule the defender, who has made only 15 league appearances for the club this season, out of Monday’s clash, but was in downbeat mood about his chances of being ready in time for kick-off.

“We will see on Craig as well,” he said. “It is not looking so good for him.”

Mazzarri did not comment on other individuals but said there was “no new news” coming into Monday’s game from the rest of the squad, meaning Younes Kaboul remains sidelined alongside long-term absentees Mauro Zarate and Roberto Pereyra.