Thomas Frank is weighing up whether to include Kevin Schade in Brentford’s squad for Saturday’s trip to Aston Villa.
Schade has recovered from an adductor injury that has kept him out since September, and he scored a penalty in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Leyton Orient on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old German may not start at Villa Park, but Frank could name him in his squad.
Brentford are six points off the relegation zone with seven games to go, but earned creditable draws with Manchester United and Brighton in their last two matches.
“Schade could be available, and that’s something I need to think about for Saturday”, Frank said. “It will be very good to have him back. That pace he’s got is incredible.”
He added: “Villa are a very good team and Villa Park is a very difficult place to be. They have been almost unplayable there. We know it’s a big challenge, but if we hit a top level, we know we can get something out of it.”
Bees talisman Ivan Toney has gone seven full matches without scoring, but his manager is not concerned.
He added: “It happens with strikers. Good strikers will go through spells where they are not scoring. In my opinion, it is just a matter of time before he will score.”
