Dean Smith has confirmed that Sergi Canos is 'highly unlikely' to be available for Brentford's season opener at Sheffield United.

The popular winger suffered a twisted ankle in the 2-1 win over Celta Vigo in the Bees' final pre-season friendly last weekend.

The Spaniard, though, is the only notable absentee with the rest of the first team squad, barring long-term absentees Alan Judge and Lewis Macleod as well as the suspended Harlee Dean, available.

“Sergi Canos is highly unlikely to play on Saturday at Sheffield United but we will assess him next week,” Smith said.

“Everyone else is fully fit. Lewis Macleod is back on the training pitch doing some non-contact stuff and Alan Judge is back from Philadelphia.

“We know how important it is for the supporters to know about our long term absentees and get it out as soon as possible.”

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Ryan Woods of Brentford and Conor Washington of Queens Park Rangers in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Brentford and QPR at Griffin Park on April 22, 2017 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Ryan Woods may also miss the game with his partner due to give birth and the midfielder will, naturally, be allowed time off if the call came.

Smith added: “She hasn't given birth yet. If the call comes then you deal with it. It's the most important thing for any young father's life so I'll never stop that and we would have enough quality in the squad to adapt to that.”

Smith knows that he faces a difficult task in selecting his first XI and is willing to speak to any player unhappy about not being selected.

He explained: “It's been very difficult because we've been lucky with injuries during pre-season with only Sergi who rolled his ankle in the Celta Vigo game.

“It's difficult but that's what I'm paid to do. The players know that I'll pick the team and if anyone wanted to see me and ask why I'll tell them but they'll have chances in the season.”