Mauro Zarate’s return from injury is progressing well after the Argentine featured for Watford’s Under-23s, the club has confirmed.

The forward was on target for the Hornets junior side as they claimed a 4-2 win over Burnley and he continued his recovery from a cruciate ligament picked up in February.

The former West Ham United man is still building up his match fitness, but performance director Gavin Banjafield confirmed the signs are positive.

He told the club website: “Mauro’s rehabilitation is going really well. As well as full team training, he’s been exposed to two game situations and he is looking very confident.

“He’s still continuing to work individually on his fitness and preparation work for the remainder of the season, but he has made really good progress.”

There is also positive news for Roberto Pereyra, who limped out of the season opener with Liverpool, as he is nearing a return to first team training.

Defensive injuries have been an issue this term and Younes Kaboul is still being assessed following the hamstrung complaint he sustained in the win over Southampton.

Sebastian Prodl is, however, progressing quicker than expected from the injury he received on international duty and has started on-pitch training.

Kiko Femenia, meanwhile, was taken to hospital after picking up a head injury at St Mary’s and is said to be recovering well.