Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has confirmed that Bryan Mbeumo is “ready to start” against Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday night.

Having suffered an ankle injury during the reverse fixture in December, the forward has returned to action in recent weeks with substitute appearances against Burnley and Manchester United either side of the March international break.

The Cameroon international was in fine form during the first half of the season and has 10 goal contributions (7G, 3A) in 17 Premier League appearances this term.

“He’s ready to start,” said Frank. “If he starts, let’s see. It depends on what we do.

“We have done everything against Brighton: we have played 4-3-3, 4-4-2, 3-5-2. Ivan [Toney] has done well and [Yoane] Wissa has done well.

“There is no doubt that Bryan has been one of our most important players and one of our most consistent and best players over many years.

“So, I want him in the team as soon as possible. We could maybe have space for all three of them [Mbeumo, Toney and Wissa]; let’s see.”

The Bees boss added: “I’m very happy to have Bryan back. It’s crucial that he’s come back to us.

“Of course, we missed him. We lost five in a row – [the defeat to Brighton on 6 December] was the first of the five – and that spell was the biggest blow.

“I would have loved to have him after, but then luckily Ivan came back and then we had a little bit more strength up front.

“All head coaches and managers want all options available because that means you can tweak it depending on types. You can use the subs and change the system a little bit. I’m very pleased that it’s getting better and better with the offensive opportunities.”

Brentford have no fresh injury concerns following Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United and will welcome on-loan defender Sergio Reguilón back from suspension.

Defender Ethan Pinnock (ankle) is progressing well but won’t play against Brighton and “probably also Villa”.

Captain Christian Nørgaard (back) is “a little bit further down the line”, as is full-back Aaron Hickey (hamstring).

Forward Kevin Schade (adductor) is also unavailable for Albion’s visit to Gtech Community Stadium but will play an in-house game at Jersey Road on Tuesday and could feature against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Rico Henry (knee), Josh Dasilva (knee) and Ben Mee (ankle) are sidelined for the remainder of the season. Frank revealed last week that contract discussions have begun with Dasilva and Mee, with both players out of contract this summer.