Playing some part against Manchester United on Sunday would represent reward for the hard work put in during rehabilitation by Nathaniel Chalobah, according to Javi Gracia.

Chalobah is in line to play at Old Trafford after spending nearly the entire season out with a fractured kneecap sustained in September.

Gracia confirmed the midfielder, who started the campaign in impressive form, has been in full training for two weeks and could get some game time against United.

“I think he needs more time to be fully fit and to be in better condition, but he is training with the team for the past two weeks and he feels well,” Gracia said.

“He is playing all the games in training sessions like the rest of the team. It is possible for him to play and it would be good recognition of the work he has put in to get fit.

“It would be good for him, the club and the rest of the team if he could play.”

Such a long period of time out means returning to first team football always comes with a certain degree of risk and the fear of a relapse lingers on.

The mental strain as much as physical demands of such a lengthy lay-off will also play a part in Gracia’s decision to play Chalobah or not at Old Trafford.

The Watford head coach insists, however, that the 23-year-old will have grown from the experience of being ruled.

He said: “I think he has a strong mentality and in all these situations the players always become stronger.

“For all these reasons it would be very good if he plays the last game and enjoys I don’t know how many minutes.

“That will help him feel in the right way for next season as well. There is always a risk to come back, but if he is training and the medical staff decide he is available then we can take him to Old Trafford.”