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are just training. We take our fitness for granted sometimes.

“I know people have far worse problems out there, but when you’re a footballer coming back from injury, it takes over your life.

“Even in the summer one of the physios came away on holiday with me and my family so I could continue my rehab.”

Cleverley’s strike, after Craig Cathcart made up for a first-half own goal by netting Watford’s equaliser after the break, meant the frustration was all Roy Hodgson’s at full-time.

Low-scoring Palace’s lack of cutting edge was exposed again but the Eagles boss doubts there will be any available players “good enough” to bring in this month.

He said: “There’s no point me ranting and raving at the chairman or [sporting director] Dougie Freedman, saying, ‘Where is this player?’. If I was in their position, I don’t know where he is either.”