Brentford boss Thomas Frank provides an update on the fitness status of Ivan Toney and Aaron Hickey ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Everton.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has provided an update on the injury status of Ivan Toney and Aaron Hickey ahead of Saturday’s away clash with Everton.
The Bees embarked on a five-game unbeaten run to move 10 points clear of the bottom three with just four matches left to play.
After being involved in three consecutive draws, Brentford claimed a 2-0 win against Sheffield United, before they eased to a dominant 5-1 victory against Luton Town.
Having been hampered by a hip issue, Toney was an unused substitute for the Sheffield United clash, before he dropped out of the squad for the commanding win over the Hatters.
Toney will want to return to action and prove himself before England boss Gareth Southgate names his squad for Euro 2024.
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Toney making progress
With Brentford set to face Everton this weekend, Frank hopes Toney will be passed fit for Saturday’s trip to Goodison Park.
“[Toney] is progressing, it is better, and I hope he is available for Saturday,” Frank told reporters “There is still one more training [session].
“Ivan just loves to play football. He just wants to get out there and play. All footballers have that same feeling, and of course, the Euros are coming up and that’s important. But he’s also aware that it’s important to be fit to go out and perform.”
Toney has scored four goals and provided one assist in 13 appearances since returning from an eight-month ban in January.
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Hickey unlikely to play against this season
The Brentford head coach also provided an update on Hickey, who has been sidelined since October due to a hamstring injury.
When asked about whether Hickey could play again this season, Frank said: “He is progressing, Because he’s been out for so long, I’m not counting on it. Let’s see what happens during the next couple of weeks but I’m not expecting it.”
With Hickey likely to miss the rest of the campaign, his lack of game time could affect his chances of making Steve Clarke‘s Scotland squad for Euro 2024.
As for Brentford, they are also having to cope without the services of Ben Mee, Josh Dasilva and Rico Henry, while Everton loanee Neal Maupay is ineligible to face his parent club on Saturday.