Brentford could be without seven first-team players as they prepare to host Newcastle United this weekend, with manager Thomas Frank sweating on two stars, including his captain.
The Bees have a strong home record, but will be keen to bounce back from their 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa in midweek, which has left them level on points with Eddie Howe’s Magpies in the Premier League table. While United couldn’t return to winning ways against Liverpool at St James’ Park, they did at least have a morale-boosting performance and result, emerging from a titantic tussle with a point in a 3-3 draw.
It makes for a fascinating encounter at the Gtech Stadium on Saturday, but while United now only have Sven Botman as a first-team regular on the sidelines, Frank is waiting on the the fitness of two players, with a further five ruled out.
Mathias Jensen, Gustavo Nunes, Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey and Josh Dasilva will definitely miss this weekend’s game, while captain Christian Norgaard and Kristoffer Ajer face late fitness tests. Danish midfielder Norgaard missed the defeat at Villa through suspension, but also picked up a minor knock, and Frank is hopeful he can make the squad for Newcastle.
“I’m still very hopeful that Nørgaard will be available,” Frank said. “He trained today on the pitch, so that’s positive. Kristoffer Ajer trained as well. I’m more positive that Nørgaard will be involved than Ajer.”
Frank is expecting a tough game against Howe’s men, and feels United have not picked up the points some of their performances have warranted this season.
“They were brilliant at home to Arsenal, they were brilliant last night at home to Liverpool, they were very good away to Chelsea and were unlucky not to get something out of that game,” he added. “At home to West Ham, they absolutely dominated them. It’s an Eddie Howe team that is up to its best so this will be the biggest test that we have faced at home this season.”
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