Richard Dean
Updated on: October 12, 2024 3:17 am GMT
Brentford FC is facing a challenging few months after manager Thomas Frank announced that forward Yoane Wissa is set for an extended period on the sidelines due to injury. Wissa, who had made a promising start to the season with three goals in four games, was forced off the pitch in the opening half of Saturday’s match against Manchester City following a controversial tackle.
Wissa’s Injury: A Significant Setback for Brentford
During the Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium, Brentford shocked the champions by taking the lead just 22 seconds into the match when Wissa scored. However, what began as a promising outing quickly turned sour as Wissa suffered an injury due to a challenging tackle from City’s Mateo Kovacic. The exact nature of Wissa’s injury is still under assessment, but Frank indicated that it appears serious, likely keeping the player out for a couple of months.
Frank shared his thoughts on the impact of the injury during a post-match interview. He remarked, “It’s very frustrating. We talked about our many injuries last year, I hope I don’t have to talk too much about it this year.” The manager highlighted how Wissa’s absence would create a significant gap in the squad, saying, “He’s just been very important for us and that’s going to leave a hole. But, again, I will find a solution.”
Manager’s Critique of Kovacic’s Tackle
Thomas Frank did not hold back in his criticism of Kovacic’s challenge, describing it as “reckless.” While he conceded that it may not warrant a red card, the injury to Wissa has brought the tackle into sharp focus. Frank stated, “It was a reckless tackle… going through the man, from behind him. I know it’s probably not a red card, but it’s frustrating that it’s led to an injury.”
Despite the disappointment of the tackle, Frank praised his team’s performance in the match. “If Manchester City are the best team of all, then we were world class,” he noted. Brentford managed to outshine the reigning champions in several metrics, such as possession percentage and shots on target, during the initial 25 minutes of play.
Upcoming Matches and Strategies
Looking ahead, Brentford is set to face Leyton Orient in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, followed by a challenging Premier League encounter against Tottenham this Saturday. These matches will require the squad to adapt quickly in Wissa’s absence.
Frank acknowledged the need to formulate new strategies, stating, “We will find solutions.” His ability to motivate and adjust could be critical in maintaining Brentford’s competitive edge as they navigate this latest hurdle.
Brentford’s Injury Challenges
Brentford has already faced multiple injury setbacks this season. Frank cited several key players who have also been unavailable:
- Igor Thiago – Unlucky with injuries.
- Aaron Hickey – Recently faced a setback.
- Mathias Jensen – Included in the list of contact injuries.
The continued misfortune with injuries raises concerns about squad depth and player fitness as the season progresses. Frank emphasized the importance of resilience and adaptability within the squad to meet these challenges head-on.
Wissa’s Recent Performance
Wissa’s early-season form had been a bright spot for the Bees. His contributions included:
- Goals Scored: 3
- Matches Played: 4
This performance outburst positioned him as a key player in Frank’s tactical setup. Losing such a valuable asset not only impacts Brentford’s attacking options but also challenges their overall strategy.
Conclusion
Brentford FC is entering an important part of the season, but they are facing a tough challenge without Wissa. Coach Frank and the team will need to work hard and adjust as they go up against strong opponents in the next few weeks. They want to stay strong and keep playing well, even with injuries. The upcoming games will be a big test for both the coach and the players.
