Injury update: Henry Nørgaard and Thiago.
Brentford head coach Thomas Frank provides an update on Rico Henry, Christian Nørgaard and Igor Thiago ahead of West Ham United’s visit to Gtech Community Stadium.
Brentford head coach Thomas Frank provided a squad update ahead of the Bees’ Premier League game against West Ham United on Saturday.
Christian Nørgaard missed last weekend’s defeat at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a “minor injury”, and Frank revealed that the captain could return against the Hammers.
“It’s going to be a close call,” said the Bees boss. “He’s been training today and yesterday, so we need to see if he’s ready to start.”
Frank was also asked about Igor Thiago (knee), Paris Maghoma (ankle) and Rico Henry (knee) during his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.
“Paris will play a game next week,” he said.
“Rico is a little bit further – no setbacks but he is not ready yet.
“[Thiago] is progressing, but it’s still too far away for me to excited about him coming back. He is not on the grass.”
Frank continued: “I’d definitely prefer to have less injuries. We have been unlucky, but it happens and it is part of football. Some teams can be more hit than others.
“How can we get them back playing? How can we accelerate that process? We are working on that.
“But it is up to me and the players who are fit and available to perform and find the best solution.”
“I’d definitely prefer to have less injuries… but it is up to me and the players who are fit and available to perform and find the best solution”
Thomas Frank
Saturday’s opponents West Ham have had a challenging start to the season under new head coach Julen Lopetegui, picking up just one league victory at Crystal Palace last month, but Frank was quick to highlight the Hammers’ attacking talent.
“West Ham have some really top players,” he said.
“Their front four – no matter who plays. The signing of [Crysencio] Summerville was very good; I’ve always liked him.
“[Michail] Antonio, [Jarrod] Bowen, [Mohammed] Kudus, [Lucas] Paquetá. They have players at the highest level.”
Frank added: “We need to make the Gtech a fortress. I’m very pleased that we have started with two wins in the Premier League and one in the cup.
“Last year we were okay at home at best; the year before we were really, really good.
“We know when we are on it, and the fans are on it – it needs to be both – it is a difficult place to come.”
