Confirmed – Key Brentford player set for return in promotion clash v West Brom
Brentford winger Bryan Mbuemo will be back in contention to feature for the Bees when they face West Brom on Friday night, according to manager Thomas Frank.
The 20-year-old was absent from his side’s 2-0 win over Fulham last weekend after testing positive for Coronavirus.
After isolating for the necessary period of time and returning a negative test, the Frenchman will be available for selection – leaving Frank with a full squad to choose from.
It is understood, however, that the Brentford boss is sceptical as to whether or not the youngster will be fit enough to play a full 90 minutes against the Baggies, and could instead be utilised as an impact substitute.
Speaking in a press conference on Thursday, Frank said: “Bryan Mbeumo is well.
“He is available for selection. Everyone else is fit and well”
While we’re pleased to see Mbuemo return to fitness after his brush with Coronavirus, from a purely footballing perspective, this is a blow for Albion.
The 20-year-old is a dangerous prospect, and alongside Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma, has helped to forge one of the most potent frontlines in the Championship.
15 goals and seven assists in 38 league outings is a mightily impressive total for somebody of his age, and his performances have caught the eye on numerous occasions this term.
As Don Goodman put it recently during an interview with Sky Sports: “To come across here as a 20-year-old boy, settle into a team in the Championship and produce what he’s produced is absolutely remarkable and deserves every bit of praise going.”
The only consolation from this update is that he is unlikely to start the match, given the lay-off he has had recently.
But even then, the damage he could do coming off the bench in the latter stages is a threat that the Baggies will have to be very aware of.
In other West Brom news, Exclusive: Bilic tipped to make two West Brom changes v Brentford, Krov to start – pundit.