With the Premier League clash against Everton looming, Brentford head coach Keith Andrews offers a comprehensive squad update. The Bees, fresh off a goalless draw with Tottenham Hotspur, now face a challenging match against David Moyes' Everton side, who recently secured a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. Andrews provides insights into the team's current state and future prospects.
Andrews acknowledges the minor injuries that are typical in a game of this caliber against Tottenham. He mentions that the medical team will assess the players in the upcoming hour, and so far, everyone appears to be in good health. Mathi Jensen, who was initially unfit to start, has recovered from a minor illness. Jordan Henderson, who made his mark in the previous game against Bournemouth, has been retained in the starting lineup, with no changes expected.
Reiss Nelson, a natural wide player, has been an integral part of the team's training, and Andrews believes he is the ideal substitute to bring energy to the game. Mikkel Damsgaard, a highly regarded player, has faced challenges in finding his optimal position this season, but Andrews remains confident that his performance will improve as the team evolves and gains more control.
The coach praises the squad's competitive spirit, noting that the players push each other daily. The training sessions are intense and match-like, demanding a high level of performance from all players. Anyone aiming to regain their starting spot must demonstrate this level of commitment, and Damsgaard is a prime example of this.
However, the team faces some setbacks. Sepp van den Berg, who missed the 4-1 victory over Bournemouth due to an injury, has returned to the matchday squad. Josh Dasilva, who suffered a knee ligament injury, remains on the sidelines. Additionally, Fábio Carvalho and Antoni Milambo will miss the rest of the season due to ACL injuries. Frank Onyeka and Dango Ouattara, on the other hand, are unavailable due to their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria and Burkina Faso, respectively.
Despite these challenges, Andrews expresses confidence in the team's ability to adapt and perform well. The Bees are now gearing up for the crucial match against Everton, and the coach's squad update provides a glimpse into the team's current dynamics and future prospects.