Brentford FC Head of Medical Neil Greig has put together an update on the injury situation at the Club. There were seven players unavailable for the Sky Bet Championship win at Bristol City on Saturday, 22 August, while James Tarkowski suffered a facial injury in that match.

Neil said: “As a medical team we are conscious that supporters are interested in the progress being made by any injured players, particularly those who may have been missing from the squad for some time. Furthermore, we're also conscious of the wishes of the player and our commitment to ensure that their right to confidentiality is respected at all times.

“We have had a run of incidents recently where players have sustained injuries, some of which are complex and long-term. We have agreed with the players in question to release an overview of their current status and their progress.

“We will endeavour to update Brentford supporters periodically moving forwards, although we hope fans can also respect that the Club will always only release the details that the players are happy to have in the public domain.

“Supporters can rest assured that every member of my outstanding team of medical and conditioning staff at Brentford FC are working around the clock to ensure that these players receive the best possible medical care available, to ensure their full recovery in the safest time possible. “

Long-term injured players:

Scott Hogan

Scott had an operation 15 weeks ago and is progressing well from significant knee surgery. He is due for review with the consultant in four weeks, at which point he should be able to increase the intensity of his gym based reconditioning. A visit to the USA for on-going conditioning is planned in October and further updates will be made accordingly. Scott's prognosis is very good, however no time scale will be set for his return until further reviews with the consultant have taken place.

Lewis Macleod

Lewis and our medical team have endured a very frustrating time since Lewis arrived at the club in January. A particularly complex hamstring problem that has limited the explosive power that Lewis has been able to produce has made it impossible for him to perform to his maximum in team training. With that in mind, Lewis spent the summer working with a specialist strength and conditioning coach, in order to address the deficits identified. He is now working well outside with the medical team, and producing far more promising results that at any other time to date. Whilst Lewis is not yet out of the woods, there is now genuine belief that he will be able to join his teammates for training during September.

Jota

Jota sustained a nasty ankle sprain, whilst being tackled, during our 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town on the opening day of the season. The injury was assessed over the course of last week and diagnostic imaging was carried out. Unfortunately the outcome of this assessment is that Jota will require surgery to repair an ankle ligament injury and is likely to take around 12 weeks to recover. After assessment by the leading ankle consultant in the country, the decision to undertake surgery was deemed a far more reliable course of action than attempting to rehabilitate the ankle conservatively, which gave a far smaller chance of a successful outcome. Jota will undergo surgery today, Tuesday 18 August.

Andreas Bjelland

Following his injury against Oxford United last Tuesday and consultations with orthopaedic specialists in the UK and Denmark, Andreas will undergo reconstructive knee surgery tomorrow, Wednesday, in London. He is likely to miss the remainder of the season.

Josh McEachran

Josh sustained a complex fracture of his foot in training before the Norwich City game three weeks ago. The fractures remained in good alignment and after extensive diagnostic imaging and consultation with orthopaedic specialists, it was agreed that Josh's injury would be managed conservatively, without any need for surgery. Josh is now able to place some weight through the injured foot and is working hard with the medical and conditioning staff to maximise his overall physical condition during this enforced absence. Josh is likely to miss around 12 weeks from the date of injury.

Short-term injured players:

Marcos Tébar

Marcos is recovering well from a hamstring injury that was sustained approximately two weeks ago. He has begun running outside and should re-join the squad before the international break, although he will require a period of training before he is available for First Team matches.

Nico Yennaris

Nico sustained a severe 'dead-leg' against Oxford last Tuesday. The injury was severe enough to prevent him being able to walk and his recovery to date has been slow, as we expected. Nico continues to improve and we hope that he will resume full training by the end of the week, or early next week.

James Tarkowski

James suffered a displaced fracture of his nose on Saturday against Bristol City, which required relocation in the changing room following his removal from play. James will be assessed for any associated damage this week and providing there is no risk of further injury, every effort will be made to ensure that he is available for selection as soon as is safely possible.