Brentford head coach Thomas Frank provides an update on Ivan Toney’s availability for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Crystal Palace.
Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has confirmed that Ivan Toney will be available for Sunday’s clash with Crystal Palace.
Toney is set to begin the new season as a Brentford player despite being heavily linked with a move away from the Gtech Community Stadium.
The current transfer window represents one final chance for Brentford to command a considerable, with the player’s contract set to expire at the end of the signing.
The likes of Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked with the England international, while there is also thought to be interest from the Saudi Pro League.
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Frank confirms Toney availability
However, with no departure imminent, Frank has confirmed that Toney will be involved in Sunday’s Premier League opener against Crystal Palace.
“The fresh news is he (Toney) trained with a fresh smile, looked sharp, good attitude, he’s available for Sunday,” Frank told reporters at Friday’s pre-match press conference.
“Very much (satisfied to have Toney). As long as I have Ivan I am very happy and that’s hopefully for another year because he’s a fantastic player. We’ve had four great years together and we’re hoping for another year.
“We know there’s speculation and back and forths but let’s just enjoy the moment and let’s look one day ahead and see what happens.”
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Toney likely to start against Palace
Earlier this summer, Brentford signed forward Igor Thiago from Club Brugge in club-record real, with the Brazilian seemingly viewed as a potential replacement for Toney.
However, Thiago is set to be out until late 2024 after sustaining a meniscus injury in a pre-season friendly against Wimbledon.
As a result, Toney has no obvious competition for the centre-forward spot, leaving him set to lead the line in Sunday’s home fixture.
After failing to score in his previous 12 Premier League appearances, Toney will be looking to net his first top-flight goal since getting on the scoresheet in February’s defeat to Liverpool.
In addition to Thiago’s absence, the Bees are also unable to call the services of Josh Dasilva, Aaron Hickey and Rico Henry.
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