New Brentford signing Igor Thiago has been ruled out until the end of the year with a knee injury suffered in a pre-season friendly.

The club-record £30million, officially signed in February but joined this summer, is seen as Ivan Toney’s replacement - with the England striker still expecting to leave - but has suffered a huge fitness blow.

In one of his first run outs for the Bees, Thiago sustained a meniscus injury in the 5-2 win over Wimbledon on July 20. The 23-year-old has now undergone surgery and faces a long road to recovery.

A Brentford statement reads: “Igor Thiago had successful surgery on Tuesday.

“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.

“Thiago notched 18 goals in 34 Jupiler Pro League outings last term as Club Brugge won the title in what was his second full season in Europe, after scoring 15 in 32 in Bulgaria’s First League with Ludogorets.”