Brentford Head Coach Thomas Frank has stated that Yoane Wissa will be sidelined for a “couple of months” due to an ankle injury sustained against Manchester City.
Following a challenge by midfielder Mateo Kovacic, the 28-year-old limped off during the first half of his team’s 2-1 loss to City on Saturday. It is anticipated that the DR Congo international, who opened the scoring at Etihad Stadium, will make a comeback in November.
Also, Wissa’s injury might affect the Democratic Republic of Congo’s efforts to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. After defeating Guinea and Ethiopia this month, the Leopards will play their final two games in November after facing Tanzania both at home and away in October.
Frank stated, “Wissa is, unfortunately, not good news—it looks like an injury that will be a couple of months.”
“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.”
Wissa’s injury, according to Frank, has left “a big hole” up front since Brazilian striker Igor Thiago, a £30 million summer signing, underwent knee surgery in July. The 23-year-old is anticipated to return towards the end of the season. Wissa has stepped up with three goals in Brentford’s first four Premier League games after England striker Ivan Toney recently left for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli.
“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,” Frank added.
“Yoane 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.”
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