Italian midfielder Edoardo Bove is set to make his first appearance in the Watford matchday squad since joining the Championship club last month.
The 23-year-old has not played any first-team football since suffering a cardiac arrest while playing for Fiorentina against Inter Milan in Serie A in December 2024.
But new Watford boss Ed Still has confirmed Bove will be on the bench for his first game in charge at Preston on Saturday (15:00 GMT).
"He's a top player, he's shown that in Italy. He's been out for a very long time but he's chomping at the bit to get going again," Still told BBC Three Counties Radio.
"I'm really happy we can have him on the bench. His game time is going to be limited this week and probably in the next couple of weeks, as we need to get him up to speed."
Bove moved to England because he could not play in his homeland after having a cardiac defibrillator fitted and Still says it will take time for him to feel comfortable on the pitch again.
"He has been out for a very long time - we need to channel his energy so he is good for the team and not just focused on himself. We need to get him up to speed in competitive games," he added.
Watford are also monitoring the fitness of defender Mattie Pollock, who has returned to full training after missing the past four games with a hamstring injury.