Brentford forward Igor Thiago has been ruled out until "late 2024" with a knee injury which could affect Ivan Toney's transfer plans.
Thiago officially became a Brentford player earlier this month after the Bees reached an agreement with Club Brugge over a £32m deal in February.
The Brazilian enjoyed a productive 2023-24 campaign, racking up 29 goals in 55 appearances in all competitions.
Thiago carried that form into pre-season with his new club, scoring a brace in his first Brentford appearance in a 5-2 win over AFC Wimbledon.
Brentford confirm extent of Thiago's injury
However, it soon emerged that the 23-year-old had sustained a knee injury in the friendly against the League Two side.
The Bees have now confirmed that their new striker will be out for months after undergoing successful knee surgery.
A Brentford statement read: "Thiago suffered a meniscus injury during the Bees' 5-2 victory over AFC Wimbledon on 20 July, which has been repaired.
"The striker will now begin a period of recovery and rehabilitation and is expected to return towards the end of the year."
How could Thiago's injury affect Toney?
With Thiago set for a spell on the sidelines, Brentford may be reluctant to part ways with Toney before next month's transfer deadline.
Having entered the final 12 months of his contract, Toney has been linked with a move away from the Gtech Community Stadium.
The likes of Arsenal and Manchester United have been previously linked with a move, but Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United appear to be among the frontrunners.
If Toney were to leave, Brentford boss Thomas Frank may be forced to use one of Yoane Wissa, Kevin Schade or Bryan Mbeumo as a centre-forward until Thiago returns to action. body check tags ::
