Watford hope for Chakvetadze return in September

Giorgi Chakvetadze has yet to play a game under new head coach Paulo Pezzolano

Watford hope Georgia international Giorgi Chakvetadze will finally return to action next month following a frustrating injury lay-off.

The Hornets playmaker has not been available since April because of what the club describe as a "complex" bone issue in his foot, the result of "overload and repetitive impacts".

Chakvetadze first joined Watford on loan from KAA Gent in the summer of 2023 before making the move permanent and has established himself as one of the best players in the Championship.

The club stated the 25-year-old reported early for pre-season training but the injury is in a "slow-healing area".

A statement continued: "A scan in June showed the issue was still present but less severe, so he was phased progressively back into the main group last month and was scheduled to play some part in the friendly win against Deportivo.

"However, Chakvetadze reported pain after five sessions and, as a precaution, was re-scanned.

"After consultation with industry-leading foot experts, a period of non-impact and work on strength and conditioning only has been advised for six weeks, two of which will be during the first international break."

He will have another scan at the end of that period with a view to re-joining the first-team squad if it is all-clear.

Chakvetadze has made 78 appearances for Watford - who began the new season with a 1-0 defeat by Charlton Athletic - and has scored three goals.