Brentford have been dealt a huge blow with the news that left back Rico Henry will be ruled out long term with a knee injury.
The former Walsall youngster, who has been in good form for the Bees, was stretchered off during the 2-2 draw at Middlesbrough last weekend.
Since then, the injury has been assesses by the club's medical staff, who have confirmed that Henry has sustained a significant injury which will require reconstructive surgery.
Bees' medical chief Neil Greig told the club's website: “The only details that we’re able to release at present are that the injury has been thoroughly investigated and will require surgery to resolve.
“This surgery will take place over the coming two to three weeks once the knee is sufficiently recovered from the initial trauma, in order to allow the best environment for full recovery.
"No timescales will be placed on Rico’s return to training at this time. However, it’s reasonable to expect that he will require a lengthy period of recovery and reconditioning.
"Rico is obviously a very talented young man and with that talent comes a very strong determination to succeed.
“This will stand him in good stead moving forward and we, as a club, will offer him our normal high levels of care and commitment during the process.”
Yoann Barbet and Andreas Bjelland have both featured at left back for the Bees in the past, but both are better suited to their natural centre back positions.
Brentford can't recall former youth team product Tom Field from Bradford, where he is on loan until January, and who has impressed when given first team chances at Griffin Park.
Field has managed only five appearances for the Bantams as the player he was brought in to cover for, Adam Chicksen, has since returned from injury.
Brentford's other option is promoting B team left back Ilias Chatzitheodoridis, who looked more than comfortable in the Carabao Cup games against AFC Wimbledon, QPR and Norwich City.
