Nico Yennaris admits he is not playing to his full potential due to a long-standing calf injury – but will carry on playing until told otherwise.

The former Arsenal youngster has been a virtual ever-present in the Brentford midfield this season, despite having to play through the pain barrier at times.

January transfer window reinforcements may finally allow Yennaris some time out, and he is keen to sit down with the club's coaching staff and see what their plans for him are.

He said: “I've had it since the beginning of the season, even the end of last season. It's an awkward injury, a very complicated one, but I'm able to carry on by managing myself well during the week.

Former Gunner: Yennaris with Alex Oxlade Chamberlain

“I need to sit down with the manager and have a chat about what happens moving forward. I will maybe need an operation, but if I keep managing it game to game with recovery sessions in between, I will be able to get through it.

“We will see what happens after I sit down with medical team and come up with a plan. We've had meetings already and said I will keep giving my all for the team. We were getting hit with a lot of injuries when it flared up and were short of players.

“It's a problem which has come out of nowhere, it's complicated to explain but very painful. Some games it hurts a lot, but I have to mentally grind through it. Sometimes it can effect my game in that if it hurts too much I may not be fully focused.

“That's a mental thing, where I have to keep focused on the game and block out the pain. I spoke with the manager and expressed how I feel but he is happy with my performances, and that's all that matters.”

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