Brentford star Mbeumo out for three months

Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo will be out for three months with an ankle injury, boss Thomas Frank has confirmed.

The Cameroon international, 24, had surgery on Friday. He suffered the injury during the recent defeat at Brighton.

His absence is a blow for the Bees as he has been a key player while striker Ivan Toney has been serving a ban.

It also means Mbeumo will miss the African Cup of Nations, which begins next month.

“Bryan is a positive guy. Everyone faces setbacks and it’s tough to take, but he will come back stronger. I’m convinced he’ll come back stronger,” said Frank.

Injury-hit Brentford , who have lost four of their past five matches, are without several other influential players, including midfielder Josh Dasilva and left-back Rico Henry, who is out with a long-term knee injury.

Mathias Jensen is still struggling with an adductor problem and will not be fit enough for Sunday’s game against Aston Villa, Frank added.

“It’s my job to find the best solution to put the best competitive team out – and for players to step up and take responsibility. It’s up to them to shine,” said Frank.

“It’s not only up to them. It’s also up to me to help them.”

Meanwhile, defender Nathan Collins is back in training after injury and could be involved this weekend.