Brentford hoping for ‘miracle’ early Ajer return

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has confirmed that Kristoffer Ajer faces several weeks on the sidelines.

The Norwegian defender, signed from Celtic during the summer, has been a key player in the Bees’ impressive start in the Premier League.

But Norway manager Stale Solbakken revealed this week that Ajer is likely to be out with a hamstring injury until the new year.

Some reports have since suggested that Brentford are hoping he might be available as quickly as later this month.

However, Frank admitted on Thursday afternoon that Solbakken was correct – although there is a chance of a December return.

Frank said: “Stale Solbakken said that Kristoffer is out for a period of time, and that’s correct. He got a hamstring injury.

“I don’t know exactly how long, but a fair amount of weeks. We are probably more likely speaking mid to late December or maybe the start of January depending on how well it is going.

“In these cases I like to be surprised, so let’s say out until January and then hope for a miracle.”

Yoane Wissa and Shandon Baptiste are also out injured.

But Bryan Mbeumo, who has been nursing a hamstring strain and was an unused substitute for the recent defeat at Burnley, is expected to return to the side against Norwich on Saturday.

“If everything goes well tomorrow (in training) he should be OK to start,” said Frank.