Brentford summer signing Igor Thiago has been ruled out for the remainder of the year.
The Brazilian striker signed a five-year deal with the Bees last month, joining for a reported £30million from club Brugge.
Thiago, 23, has signed as a potential long-term replacement for Ivan Toney but will now have to wait to make his debut for the West Londoners.
The forward suffered a meniscus on his debut for the club in a pre-season friendly against AFC Wimbledon on July 20.
A club statement has now revealed he will now “begin a period of recovery and rehabilitation” after having surgery.
Igor Thiago to be sidelined until late 2024 after successful surgery on a meniscus injury 🙏
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) July 31, 2024
It remains to be seen whether Thiago’s set-back impacts Toney’s future, with the Bees’ striking options now depleted.
Thomas Frank’s men were seemingly seemingly happy to allow the in-demand England striker to depart this summer but may be more reluctant.
Thiago scored 18 goals in 34 Juliper Pro League games last season for Brugge, having notched 15 in 32 in Bulgaria’s First League with Ludogorets.
He also scored five goals in 10 Europa Conference League games last term and was named the competition’s Young Player of the Season.