Brentford forward Yoane Wissa will be out for a “couple of months” after sustaining an ankle injury against Manchester City, says head coach Thomas Frank.
The 28-year-old limped off during the first half of his side’s 2-1 defeat by City on Saturday after a tackle by midfielder Mateo Kovacic.
The DR Congo international, who scored the opening goal at Etihad Stadium, is excepted to return in November.
“Wissa is, unfortunately, not good news – it looks like an injury that will be a couple of months,” Frank said.
“It’s very frustrating. We talked about our many injuries last year – I hope I don’t have to talk too much about it this year. I maybe already have.
“We were unlucky with Igor [Thiago], unlucky with [Aaron] Hickey. We’ve then had two contact injuries with Mathias Jensen and Yoane Wissa, so that’s very frustrating.
“But that’s part of football – we move on and we will find solutions.”
Following the recent departure of England striker Ivan Toney to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, Wissa has stepped up with three goals in Brentford’s opening four Premier League games.
Frank added that Wissa’s injury now leaves “a big hole” up front after £30m summer signing, Brazilian striker Igor Thiago had knee surgery in July, with the 23-year-old expected back towards the end of the year.
“Everybody was saying we bought Igor Thiago to replace Ivan [Toney] – but we still had Wissa. We bought Igor Thiago to build the squad and provide competition in the squad,” the 50-year-old said.
“Wissa had a very good season last year and I thought he has started the season very well this year, with three goals in four games – that’s a very good number.
“He’s just been very important for us and that’s going to leave a hole. But, again, I will find a solution.”
Wissa’s injury could also impact DR Congo’s qualifying campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Leopards began their Group H campaign with wins over Guinea and Ethiopia this month, but Sebastien Desabre’s side face Tanzania home and away next month before playing their final two fixtures in November.
