Brentford’s strong beginning to the 2024-25 Premier League campaign has suffered a significant blow with the news that key forward Yoane Wissa will be out for an extended period due to injury.The DR Congo international’s absence means the Bees will now rely on other attacking options to fill the void left by Wissa’s injury. The forward picked up the injury during Brentford’s 2-1 loss to Manchester City in the Premier League.Facing the reigning champions at the Etihad Stadium, Wissa opened the scoring for Brentford before he was forced to limp off in the first half following a challenge from City midfielder Mateo Kovacic. Though Kevin Schade was brought on as his replacement, Thomas Frank’s side eventually succumbed to a defeat, with Erling Haaland netting both goals for the hosts.After undergoing a series of tests, it was confirmed that Wissa had suffered an ankle injury, ruling him out for several months.African players in Europe: Wissa’s early strike not enough, Boniface and Inaki shineBrentford manager Thomas Frank confirmed that Wissa will be sidelined for “a couple of months” due to the ankle injury sustained against Pep Guardiola’s team.”Wissa’s injury is, unfortunately, not good news: it appears to be an injury that will keep him out for a few months,” Frank said via the club’s official website.”It’s very frustrating. We had our share of injuries last year, and I hoped this season would be different, but I may have already spoken too soon. We’ve been unlucky with Igor (Thiago) and (Aaron) Hickey, and now we’ve had two contact injuries with Mathias Jensen and Yoane Wissa. It’s disappointing, but that’s part of the game, and we have to move forward and find solutions.”Frank acknowledged the impact Wissa’s absence will have on the team.”It’s going to leave a big hole. People were talking about Igor Thiago coming in to replace Ivan (Toney), but we still had Wissa. We brought Igor in to strengthen the squad and add competition. Wissa had a great season last year and had started this season really well, scoring three goals in four matches, which is an excellent return. He’s been vital for us, and his absence will definitely be felt. But, again, we’ll find a way to adapt.”Wissa’s ankle injury due to a heavy challenge from Kovacic. ⤵️😫 pic.twitter.com/XVJGcBZ61V— TalkBees (@talkbees_) September 14, 2024 Wissa’s injury is undoubtedly a setback for Brentford’s Premier League aspirations. His three goals in the first four games had been instrumental in their solid start to the season. With Ivan Toney off to Saudi football, the Congolese forward had stepped up as a key figure in Brentford’s attack, contributing to the team’s strong early momentum that sees them currently sitting in ninth place in the Premier League table.On the international stage, Wissa also played a crucial role in DR Congo’s back-to-back victories in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Ethiopia. However, the forward is now set to miss upcoming AFCON qualifying matches in October and November, as DR Congo aim to secure early qualification for the tournament in Morocco. Coach Sebastien Desabre will have to prepare his squad without Wissa, a vital player for the Leopards.Thomas Frank on Wissa’s injury “Wissa is not good news. It looks like an injury that will be a couple of months. It’s very frustrating. It will leave a hole but I will find a solution and other players will step up”We’re all with you, Wissa 🙏 pic.twitter.com/MqSR21lEcR— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) September 16, 2024 Brentford have estimated that Wissa could return by November 24, but in the meantime, he will miss several key fixtures for both club and country. Here is a list of the matches Wissa is expected to miss:Sep 17: Brentford vs Leyton Orient – League CupSep 21: Tottenham vs Brentford – Premier LeagueSep 28: Brentford vs West Ham – Premier LeagueOct 5: Brentford vs Wolves – Premier LeagueOct 6: DR Congo vs Tanzania – AFCON QualifierOct 14: Tanzania vs DR Congo – AFCON QualifierOct 19: Manchester United vs Brentford – Premier LeagueOct 26: Brentford vs Ipswich Town – Premier LeagueNov 11: Guinea vs DR Congo – AFCON QualifierNov 19: DR Congo vs Ethiopia – AFCON QualifierThe Bees will be hoping Wissa makes a swift recovery as they aim to continue their strong start to the season and maintain momentum without their in-form forward.##NAJAVA_MECA_8343014##
