In an interview for Saturday’s match programme, which is now available at shop.brentfordfc.com, Brentford midfielder Mikkel Damsgaard reveals that he has had to be patient since his return from injury last season.
Damsgaard’s performances for Sampdoria and Denmark during the 2020/21 campaign made him one of the most in-demand young players in Europe.
However, a knee operation in November 2021 showed that he was suffering with a form of arthritis.
Following a series of treatments, the midfielder returned to action in April 2022.
And the 22-year-old admits that he was nervous to take to the field again after six months on the sidelines.
“It was a relief to get back in, but I didn’t feel myself,” he said, “I’d lost a lot of kilos, so I was very, very skinny.
“I had confidence issues, and I didn’t have the same speed and power in my legs.
“I had to play a little smarter, and I played a lot worse than what I was capable of, because I wasn’t able to reach the level I wanted to.
“I was back, and I was playing without pain, but I couldn’t move the way I wanted to, and I didn’t have the confidence to try the same things.
“You want to be the same player you were before, but you can’t do that immediately. I had to be patient.
“I don’t think any player has ever come back from a long injury and played his best football straight after.
“Thomas [Frank] and Phil [Giles] knew everything about my injury,” Damsgaard responded when asked about his move to Brentford last summer.
“They’d done their research, spoken to my physios and knew everything that was going on with me.
“The club knew I was still a long way from physically being able to play in the Premier League, so from their side it was a little bit of an investment, if you can say that.
“They knew I was behind and had a lot of work to do, and I had thought that also, but this was the best place for me to develop, get some kilos on and get into the best shape possible. I could do that the fastest here, and the best here.
“I’ve got there now, but it’s something I’ve had to work on over a long period. Now I’m trying to get even stronger and faster so I can keep developing.
“It’s looking good for more playing time, so I’m going to keep trying to take my chances and do everything I can.”
Also included in your Brentford v Newcastle United match programme
Thomas Frank’s thoughts
Big Ben Burgess’ Big Match Preview
The Athletic's Chris Waugh discusses Newcastle’s recent form, Eddie Howe’s preferred set-up and the players to look out for in Hot off the Press
Our next King of the Castle is Gordon Sweetzer, who blazed like a meteor across Griffin Park. Tall, brave and clinical in front of goal, the striker’s record of 45 goals in 88 appearances is remarkable, as he netted twice or more on nine occasions, including three hat-tricks
The Nathan Caton Column
Having just completed his ninth year in west London, Brentford B goalkeeper coach Jani Viander spoke with Ben Stange about his time at the club and ambitions for the future
With four goals in his last five games at the Gtech, Mathias Jensen is currently playing some of the finest football of his career. Relive some of his Brentford highlights in Viewfinder, including his debut against Birmingham City in August 2019, Play-Off final success at Wembley Stadium and a memorable goal during that 4-0 victory over Manchester United
Printed locally using sustainable materials, this 100-page issue is available online and around the Gtech Community Stadium for £4.
Available inside and outside the ground – as well as from the Bees Merchandise Kiosk and the Bees Superstore – our sellers will be accepting contactless payments only.
Sales locations
Bees Superstore and Bees Merchandise Kiosk (Lionel Road South)
Lionel Road South
Bridge (Bees Superstore end)
Outside Bees Superstore (outside magnet)
2x outside the box office (outside entrance B)
End of Lionel Road (Kew Bridge stadium end)
Away end entrance (outside entrance G)
Stadium
Merchandise kiosks (west, north, east stands and family section)
Programmes are available after the game from the Bees Merchandise Kiosk and the Bees Superstore (Lionel Road South).