Daryl Janmaat's 'frustrating' time away from the Watford team is slowly but surely coming to end, as his recovery on the sidelines continues.

The Dutch full-back suffered a setback during the Hornets' victory at Norwich City, their first of the current campaign, back in November, but at the time it appeared to be a mild problem.

However, two infections have since further complicated matters and means he will not play again for the team this season.

“It's been really frustrating,” he told the club website. “I had a bacterial infection in my knee after the Norwich game and some meniscus problems, so they repaired that during surgery in England.

“I was better but then I was struggling with pain and fluid in my knee, so I went to Holland, had a second check in April and we did some samples and there was an infection in it again, so I needed another clean out.

“I've been on strong antibiotics after that for six weeks and that infection has now been killed. It's been a really long time and really frustrating as I've never had something like this before. It's really rare.”

Following the course of medicine and some rehabilitation work, the 30-year-old said he is now in a much better position and should be back in time for next season, which he hopes will be in the Premier League.

Janmaat admits it has been difficult to watch the team while he has been away, especially as he is unable to help on the pitch.

“I feel good,” he said. “My trainer is building me up again and hopefully I will be back early next season. We gave up this season as it was not realistic anymore, so now we are taking it day by day, week by week.

“I'm doing well really, improving all the time and hopefully I can continue this way and I can be back fit again early next season.

“It's been hard watching the boys at times. It was not nice seeing them struggle, but we have picked up some big results and the most important thing is to stay in the Premier League – it doesn't matter how.

“I've had to focus on myself as I can't affect the team, so I'm seeing this as a chance to get really fit and have four or five more years. I want to be back strong so I'm working really hard, but I do watch the team and I want them to win.”