Watford have announced that midfielder Tom Cleverley will miss the start of the season after undergoing Achilles surgery.
Cleverley failed to make an appearance for the Hornets during the closing three-and-a-half months of last season, but the England international had been hoping to make an impression during pre-season.
However, Cleverley will spend the opening weeks of the new campaign on the sidelines after having an operation on a long-standing issue with his Achilles.
The 28-year-old told the club's official website: "This is something I've put up with during my career so it's good to get it sorted.
"I had been used to playing with pain in my ankle. Now that's going to be a thing of the past, I'll be fit and raring to win my place back once I've finished my rehab."
Watford begin their Premier League season with a home fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion on August 11.
