Head Coach, Thomas Frank has described Fabio Carvalho as “a very exciting player”, ahead of Brentford’s Premier League opener against Crystal Palace.
Carvalho joined Frank’s Bees from Liverpool on Monday (12 August) after two seasons on Merseyside, during which he spent last season on loan at RB Leipzig then Hull City.
In his pre-match press conference ahead of their home game against Palace tomorrow (18 August), Frank confirmed that Carvalho would “… be available for the team and for the squad. I’m pretty sure he will be involved in that.”
Frank went on to praise the 21 year-old for his performance in training and believes that Carvalho can add “a lot of quality.”
“He has looked good in training; he is a very exciting player – I like the way he is on the half-turn, the way he drives with the ball, the way he sets up other players, the way he can also score goals.”
Carvalho’s fellow forward, Ivan Toney will also be available despite only joining pre-season training earlier this month, due to his involvement in England’s run to UEFA Euro 2024 Final.
Addressing Toney’s availability amidst transfer speculation, Frank commented: “The fresh news is that he trained out there with a big smile on his face – he looks sharp, with a good attitude, and is available for Sunday.”
Last season saw Frank deal with a constant injury crisis but the Dane believes that the team is “now in a good place”, with Ben Mee available for selection.
Rico Henry and Aaron Hickey however both remain sidelined with respective knee and hamstring injuries, although they are closing in on a return to first-team training.
Henry in particular proved a humorous annoyance for Frank as he explained: ” Rico trained in the 11v11 today and destroyed the tactical plan because he ran straight through the defence of the team I had!”
Frank however admitted that fans shouldn’t expect to see either player in the matchday squad yet, with their trip to Manchester City on 14 September tipped to be the earliest date of first-team involvement.
“Realistically, before the international break will be difficult for them to be involved in the squad. But let’s see – I’m positive about Rico after today. It will be game by game after that.
“Hickey is back on the grass but is in the first part of some prep and passing.”
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