Brentford could be without four first-team players for the visit of Chelsea tomorrow night (October 19th) as Thomas Frank is left with a big gap to fill.
The Bees will be without left-back Aaron Hickey's services, along with goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha, Pontus Jansson and Christian Norgaard. Chelsea have injury issues themselves as N'Golo Kante, and Reece James are both sidelined until after the World Cup.
Frank's issues are spread across the team though, and missing Hickey will be a big blow after the new summer signing started eight of the nine matches so far this season.
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Frank confirmed that Hickey wouldn't be available, saying, "Unfortunately, it's not a short-term injury. He will be out until the World Cup. He twisted his ankle, and the ligament has been damaged.
"[Thomas] Strakosha is out for a longer period with an ankle injury. Pontus Jansson [hamstring] is also out for a long period. Both will likely be out until after the World Cup. Christian [Norgaard] is running more, which is good. He's getting closer."
Norgaard was a surprise target for Chelsea over the summer in midfield and impressed in both fixtures against the Blues last season as well. One player that remains of interest to Todd Boehly is Ivan Toney. The Englishman has had a fine start to the season with eight goals and two assists in 10 matches and has earned his first England call-up.
With Gareth Southgate due to announce his preliminary squad later this week, Chelsea will be wary of the threat posed by the 26-year-old in a bid to impress his national team manager at the final chance.
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