Brentford confirm major blow as new signing Igor Thiago suffers meniscus injury

Brentford have confirmed Igor Thiago suffered a meniscus injury on his first appearance for the club.

The 23-year-old featured for the Bees against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday and scored twice in the 5-2 win, but he now faces a spell on the sidelines in a major blow to Thomas Frank’s side.

Thiago will have further scans next week to determine the severity of the injury, having already been ruled out of Thursday night’s friendly against Benfica.

Brentford signed the Brazilian in February for £30million, with the Brazilian then finishing the season with Club Brugge before joining up with his new club this summer.

Speaking last month, Frank named Thiago as the man to step up and replace Ivan Toney, should the England forward leave Brentford before the end of the window.

“Of course, we plan and then other things can happen,” Frank said.

“Maybe we are selling a player but we are prepared for that. It’s no secret that there’s lots of rumours about Ivan. If he is leaving us — and I’d still like to keep him, he’s a top player — this time we are prepared and brought in Igor Thiago.”

Brentford begin their Premier League season on August 18, when they host Crystal Palace, before trips to face Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham in their first five fixtures make it a difficult start to the campaign.