Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has given an update on his squad ahead of Tuesday's clash with Manchester City in the Premier League.

The Bees boss revealed that defender Ethan Pinnock will be out until after the international break at the end of March due to an ankle injury picked up against Wolverhampton Wanderers, and commented on the absence of the centre-back.

"No fresh injuries, touch wood, from the strong squad we had against Liverpool," said Frank.

"Aaron Hickey and Kevin Schade are still a bit further down the line."

He added: "That includes Ethan Pinnock and he is very difficult to replace. He is a top defender and so important for us in many aspects.

"But Kristoffer Ajer did very well against Liverpool; I am pleased with what I am seeing."

Brentford will face City again for the second time in 15 days (the first encounter was a 3-1 defeat at Gtech Community Stadium), after this original fixture was rearranged due to Pep Guardiola's side's involvement in the Club World Cup in December.

But, after a 2-1 win at Etihad Stadium last season and a 1-0 win against them at the Gtech, Frank insisted the west Londoners will go into the game believing they can get something out of it.

"It will be hard for us to go there and beat City again but we need to believe that we can do it, because if we don't do that, there's no point in us turning up," said Frank.

"Every game we go into, we believe we can do something and get something out of.

"We'll be playing against the best team in the world right now. They won the treble last year, they're right near the top of the league, and they're right in the mix to win the Champions League again.

"They've got a great squad and great players, it's a big, big challenge, but they can only put 11 players on the pitch, so we'll see."