Thomas Frank has provided an update on the injury issues currently facing Brentford.
With the fitness of Bryan Mbeumo and Frank Onyeka in question, manager Thomas Frank has said that “we expect both players to be involved next Sunday,” when the Brentford take on Tottenham Hotspur in the opening fixture of the new Premier League season, as quoted by the club’s official website.
This will come as a major boost to Frank, who is already going to have to cope without the banned Ivan Toney. Mbeumo will have to play a huge role in Toney’s absence, and the pressure will be on him to take his chances in front of goal. All of Brentford’s attacking options will need to be at their best this season, as Brentford seek a way to cope without their talismanic target man.
Equally, Onyeka will be hoping to have a greater impact this season. The 25-year-old midfielder made 21 Premier League appearances last season, but will want to establish himself as a more regular starter this time around. He may well be called upon to try and win the midfield battle against Spurs.
Brentford’s pre-season woes
Frank’s side have had a difficult pre-season, having failed to win a match in any of their friendlies. They picked up draws against Boreham Wood and Aston Villa, and fell to defeat to Fulham and Brighton.
In their final pre-season friendly against Lille at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, Brentford played out another 0-0 draw. At the very least, Frank will have been pleased to see his side keep a clean sheet.
The Bees will have to be much improved if they want to secure a positive result when they host Ange Postecoglou’s side. If Frank can’t get Brentford scoring and back in that winning habit quickly then the club could be in for a tough season.