Premier League: Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo ruled out for 12 weeks and will miss AFCON, confirms Thomas Frank

Brentford manager Thomas Frank has confirmed striker Bryan Mbeumo will miss up to 12 weeks of action, including the Africa Cup of Nations, following ankle surgery.

The 24-year-old sustained the injury in the Bees’ 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion earlier in December.

Mbeumo is set to be sidelined for a lengthy period after undergoing surgery and is set to miss AFCON in January in a blow to Cameroon’s chances.

"Bryan is a positive guy, he will come back stronger," Frank added on Friday. "He has a very good mindset."

Mbeumo has scored seven Premier League goals this campaign in the absence of star striker Ivan Toney, who is serving an eight-month suspension for reaching betting rules.

Toney is eligible for selection from January 20, but until then Brentford are sparse in attack as injuries across the squad pile up.

In addition to the absent Toney, Frank is also without Kristoffer Ajer, Josh Dasilva, Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey, Mathias Jensen and Kevin Schade.

The Danish manager admitted that Brentford may be forced to dip into the transfer funds in the January transfer market, but will not make any sudden decisions.

"Almost from game one we've struggled a little bit with injuries," said Frank. "We need to look at it in January, but we never rush into things. We try to be clever and take calm and sensible decisions.

"We will not take a player if we don't think it's for the longer term. Maybe this time a loan, but it depends on how things go over the next three or four weeks."

Brentford have lost four of their last five matches, with their only win coming against Luton Town in a 3-1 win at the start of December.

They most recently suffered a 1-0 defeat to relegation favourites Sheffield United, but will look to get back on track when they welcome in-form Aston Villa to the Gtech Community Stadium.

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