Sam Saunders is set to be sidelined for at least another month following surgery on his right knee.

The Brentford midfield man has not played since the 2-0 win over Port Vale in early January, and went under the knife last week.

Although the problem has now been nipped in the bud, Bees boss Mark Warburton is not expecting to see the League One player of month for December back in action until April.

He said: “It looks like four to five weeks before Sam will be ready. He has had a frustrating niggle which we thought would clear up in a couple of weeks.

“But the scans showed nothing and it wasn't getting any better. He had surgery and they found a small issue which has now been resolved.”