Frank expects Norgaard to return for Bees soon

Brentford boss Thomas Frank says influential midfielder Christian Norgaard is finally edging closer towards a return to action.

Denmark international Norgaard has not featured since the Carabao Cup win against Newcastle on 22 December, having been out for nearly three months before that.

Sunday’s FA Cup fourth-round loss to the Leicester was the 33rd match the team have played this season and Frank said he is looking forward to having as many players at his disposal as possible given the upcoming heavy workload.

The Bees are preparing for a run of 12 matches in just 38 days – starting with a trip to fellow high-flyers Swansea on Wednesday – and Frank said the tough-tackling Norgaard’s imminent return to fitness comes at a perfect time.

“We did a calculation a few weeks ago and I am pretty sure we have played more matches than other team in Europe,” Frank said.

“I am looking forward to getting some injured players back. Last year we had five good midfielders available most of the time, this year we had six but we are down to three, and I have had to convert Saman (Ghoddos) into a midfielder.

“I spoke to Christian again this morning and he is fit and strong and was out there training.

“He was not with the group but with our head of performance and there was a ball involved so there was plenty of twisting, turning and sprinting, so that looked good.

“He was also involved in the coaching meeting about Swansea so he is in a good place, but I will say I am really looking forward to him joining the team and he will help us.”

Frank was non-committal about the prospect of any new faces coming in before the transfer window closes next Monday, but said the tough-tackling 26-year-old would be a huge addition for the second half of the season.

“It will be like a new signing,” he said.

“He will bring extra energy and positivity to the group and we hope to welcome him back soon.”