Watford midfielder Tom Cleverley will miss the start of the new Premier League season after undergoing surgery on a longstanding Achilles problem.

Cleverley, 28, has not featured for the Hornets since he sustained an hamstring injury in January.

The former Everton and Manchester United star disclosed that he’s hoping to return to the field of play by the autumn.

“This is something I’ve put up with during my career so it’s good to get it sorted.” Cleverley spoke to the club’s website about his injury.

“I had been used to playing with pain in my ankle. Now that’s going to be a thing of the past, I’ll be fit and raring to win my place back once I’ve finished my rehab.” He concluded.

🎯 | #watfordfc midfielder Tom Cleverley is targeting an Autumn return after undergoing surgery on a long-standing ankle injury.

More info ⤵️https://t.co/llGbiB1Upo pic.twitter.com/J7rIMNLCJT

— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) July 21, 2018