Brentford manager confirms return of two key figures for Liverpool clash amid £30m signing

Brentford manager Thomas Frank has been boosted by the return of African duo Yoane Wissa and Frank Oneyeka ahead of their clash with Liverpool.

Both experienced strong Africa Cup of Nations campaigns, as Oneyeka's side lost out in the final to the Ivory Coast, while Wissa's DR Congo side lost on penalties in the third-place play-off with South Africa.

Nevertheless, their return is timely as Brentford have seven losses and just two wins in their last nine games. Last week saw them earn a much-needed win over Wolves away from home and they head into the Liverpool game with key injuries, as confirmed by Frank at his press conference. Currently, they are without five players; Rico Henry (ACL knee) Kevin Schade (groin) Aaron Hickey (hamstring) Bryan Mbeumo (ankle) and midfielder Josh Dasilva (knee).

Frank did confirm that their side had secured the £30m signing of Igor Thiago and claimed that his signing shows Brentford are 'ahead of the curve'. Signing for £30m from Club Brugge, he is said to be a replacement for Ivan Toney, who should leave in the summer. “It is relatively obvious that Ivan will probably be sold this summer,” said Frank last week. “I don’t think there are many strikers in the world who are better than him right now.”

For Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Mohamed Salah would be back in action this weekend but midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai won't be but he may recover in time for the Carabao Cup final. However, Trent Alexander-Arnold will not be available until after the February 25th date with Chelsea at Wembley. "I'm not sure if Dom has a chance for the final but maybe. Trent will be after." Also out of the game are long-term absentees Ben Doak, Joel Matip, Thiago and Stefan Bajcetic.