Leon Britton could make a dramatic return for relegation-threatened Swansea City in place of injured Jack Cork.
Club captain Britton has not played since New Year’s Eve, but head coach Paul Clement is considering turning to the 34-year-old in the club’s hour of need.
Cork will miss Saturday’s match at Watford and his ankle injury could also mean he will not recover in time for the home game against Stoke a week later.
Clement – who has not played Britton in any games since arriving at the club – said: “Jack will be a loss, however this is a chance for someone to come in.
“Leon and Jay Fulton are possibilities and a shape change is a possibility, too.
“Leon has a lot of experience and I have kept him close to the squad even though he has not been playing.
“He is a very positive influence. I know he wants to be playing but he has been very professional in putting the team ahead of his own thoughts and ideas.”
Swansea are still two points adrift of safety with just six games left after a run of only one point gained from their last five matches.
Clement has also conceded that his team’s last display in their 1-0 defeat at West Ham was their worst performance since he arrived in January.
“West Ham was probably the worst we have played since I have been here. The margins were close against Middlesbrough and Tottenham.
“But we have to move on quickly and find our level again. We picked up points quickly at the start of the year, now we have six games where we have to get them quickly again.
“Watford are a strong, physical side. They have had mixed results away from home, but are good at home and this is a massive game.”
Such was his frustration and disappointment after last week’s defeat that Clement has held a series meetings with his players.
“I have had some good discussions with the group, and also one-to-one with some players who particularly underperformed, to try and understand why that is.
“It was a really frustrating afternoon. It was nowhere near the level of what we are capable of and I have to demand and expect better.
“Since I have been here, I have tried to use the right tone and right message at the right moment, be that a strong word or a softer approach.
“That is my job to use all the tools available to me. They understand what is at stake, I am not sure a rollicking from would change that.”
