Brentford forward Kevin Schade could feature for the first time since September against Aston Villa on Saturday.

The Germany international stepped up his return from an adductor injury by playing 60 minutes and scoring a penalty in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Leyton Orient on Tuesday.

“Schade could be available and that’s something I need to think about for Saturday,” head coach Thomas Frank revealed in his pre-match press conference.

“It will be very good to have him back. That pace he’s got is incredible. I remember that fantastic action when he put it in the top corner against Crystal Palace at home. That seems like ages ago! So that would be very positive.”

Frank confirmed he has no fresh injury concerns following his side’s goalless draw with Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday.

“Everyone is in a fine place,” he said.

“There are some tired boys, naturally, after two games and the international week where a lot of them played good minutes, which we are proud of and happy with.

“They will be more than ready for Saturday; it is today they are allowed to be tired.”

Defender Ethan Pinnock (ankle) and midfielder Christian Nørgaard (back) are progressing well but remain sidelined for the Bees’ trip to Villa Park.

Full-back Aaron Hickey (hamstring) is also unavailable, while Rico Henry (knee), Josh Dasilva (knee) and Ben Mee (ankle) are out for the remainder of the season.

Villa have had an exceptional campaign under manager Unai Emery and currently sit fourth in the Premier League having taken 59 points from 31 games.

But Frank insisted his side travel to the Midlands in high spirits after positive performances against Manchester United and Brighton.

The Bees boss said: “Villa is a very good team and Villa Park is a very difficult place to be. They have been almost unplayable there. Crazy, crazy good. So, we know it’s a big challenge, but if we hit a top level, we know we can get something out of it and that’s what we’re aiming for.

“I hope we will thrive on the atmosphere. It’s one of the best away grounds to go to. Hopefully we can keep the crowd quiet. It will be difficult, but that’s what every team wants to achieve when they go to an away ground.

“When Villa really hit their top level they can be difficult to stop, but we have to try to do it.

“The plan is always to play the way we want to play. We face some teams and we need to defend deep, of course, but I don’t think it’s a secret that we also want to press high against them. The more we can do that, the better.”