Late call set to be made on £30m man ahead of Newcastle United vs Brentford clash

Igor Thiago and Paris Maghoma of Brentford celebrate victory following the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Newcastle United FC at Brentford Community Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Igor Thiago and Paris Maghoma of Brentford celebrate victory following the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Newcastle United FC at Brentford Community Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Igor Thiago and Paris Maghoma of Brentford celebrate victory following the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Newcastle United FC at Brentford Community Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Brentford boss Thomas Frank is set to make a late call on Igor Thiago’s involvement against Newcastle United.

Thiago joined the Bees from Club Brugge in the summer for a club-record £30million, however didn’t make his debut until November as he recovered from a meniscus.

He made substitute appearances against Everton, Leicester City and Aston Villa before making his first start in the 4-2 victory over Newcastle at the Gtech Community Stadium.

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Igor Thiago and Paris Maghoma of Brentford celebrate victory following the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Newcastle United FC at Brentford Community Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Igor Thiago and Paris Maghoma of Brentford celebrate victory following the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Newcastle United FC at Brentford Community Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Igor Thiago and Paris Maghoma of Brentford celebrate victory following the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Newcastle United FC at Brentford Community Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) | Getty Images

A week later against Chelsea however, the Brazilian forward was left out of the squad. Frank is hopeful Thiago can play a part at St James’ Park but needs to make an assessment first.

"Everyone is available from the Chelsea game," said Frank. "And Thiago is back in training, which is positive. "He has trained and it's positive - we will see. I will make an assessment [as to whether he's ready for Newcastle] on Wednesday."

Meanwhile, the Bees remain without Mathias Jensen (hamstring), Gustavo Nunes (back), Rico Henry (knee), Aaron Hickey (hamstring) and Josh Dasilva (knee).

Frank has revealed his intention to play a "really, really strong team", although voiced his frustration at the schedule that will see his side play three times in seven days.

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"Us and Crystal Palace are the only teams in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals that have to play three games in seven days; the other six teams, the bigger clubs, are playing in eight or nine days, which might be a coincidence? Maybe the EFL or Premier League can answer that,” said the Dane.

"As well, if you look, when we start playing the first game [Chelsea] and end playing the next one [Nottingham Forest], we have the shortest turnaround.

"We asked if we could move the Nottingham Forest game on Saturday [to Sunday], but they were not willing to help with the short turnaround. It is what it is.

"On Wednesday, we will be absolutely on it. Saturday, we will also be absolutely on it. So I need to find a way to bring enough intensity for 90 minutes twice with my squad - but I will play a really, really strong team on Wednesday."

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