Brentford have announced that defender Rico Henry sustained a serious knee injury during the Championship fixture with Middlesbrough.

Henry had to be withdrawn during the first half of the 2-2 draw at the Riverside Stadium on September 30, and head of medical Neil Greig has revealed that the left-back faces a long period on the sidelines.

Greig told the club's official website: "Unfortunately, during Saturday's game at Middlesbrough, Rico sustained a significant injury to his right knee. 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."

Since joining from Walsall in August 2016, Henry has been limited to just 20 appearances in the Championship after also missing an extended period of time due to a dislocated shoulder.