Premier League Gameweek 23
Jan 26, 2025 2.00pm
1
2
HT : 0 0
FT Selhurst Park
  • Maxence Lacroix 24' yellowcard
  • Dean Henderson 66' yellowcard
  • Romain Esse 85' goal
  • yellowcard Vitaly Janelt 56'
  • goal Bryan Mbeumo 66'
  • yellowcard Keane Lewis-Potter 73'
  • goal Kevin Schade 80'

Brentford boss Thomas Frank reveals injury setback forced defender to miss Crystal Palace victory

Thomas Frank explains why Brentford defender missed Crystal Palace win

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has revealed that defender Rico Henry missed Sunday's 2-1 over Crystal Palace due to an injury setback.

The Bees bounced back from a three-game winless run in all competitions to claim a narrow victory in Sunday's trip to Selhurst Park.

Bryan Mbeumo thought he had missed the chance to open the scoring when he hit the post, only for the forward to be given a lifeline after VAR ruled that Marc Guehi encroached on the initial spot kick.

The Cameroon international dispatched the retake to give his side a 66th-minute lead, before Kevin Schade doubled his team's advantage with ten minutes to play of regulation time.

While Romain Esse pulled a goal back on his Palace debut, Brentford saw out the remainder of the contest to claim back-to-back Premier League away victories, leaving them in 11th position and two points adrift of the top half of the table.

Frank explains Henry absence

Henry was a notable absentee from the matchday squad despite recently returning from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Speaking after the win, Frank explained that Henry was unable to feature in the squad due to a "minor" injury issue.

"Rico got a minor setback with a hamstring injury, unfortunately," Frank told reporters.

The full-back played over an hour on his return to action in an FA Cup defeat to Plymouth Argyle earlier this month, before he featured as a late substitute in a 2-2 Premier League draw against Manchester City.

Henry was then an unused substitute for the recent 2-0 home defeat against Premier League leaders Liverpool.

The 27-year-old will be desperate to return to the fold as soon as possible, with the aim of building up his match fitness following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Are Norgaard and Schade injured?

In positive news, Frank is hopeful that Christian Norgaard and Schade have avoided any concerning injuries after the pair were both forced off in Sunday's victory.

"I'm pretty sure that both will be fine but we will see," Frank added. "It was a precaution for both of them."

The pair have a week to overcome any knocks they may have picked up before Brentford face Tottenham Hotspur at the Gtech Community Stadium next Sunday.

Brentford will also hope to have recent signing Michael Kayode available for that contest after he failed to get international clearance in time to feature against the Eagles.

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POLL
Who will win Sunday's Premier League clash between Crystal Palace and Brentford?
Crystal Palace 60%
Draw 22%
Brentford 18%
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