In-form Bees striker Toney could be fit to face Liverpool after injury all-clear

In-form striker Ivan Toney could be fit for Brentford’s first Premier League game of the year against Liverpool on Monday.

There were fears Toney may be facing a lengthy absence after he suffered a knee injury in Friday’s 2-0 London derby win at West Ham.

Toney was carted off at the London Stadium, but Bees head coach Thomas Frank revealed on New Year’s Day that his leading goalscorer might be available for the visit of the Reds.

The Dane said: “It’s good news with Ivan, it’s not a significant injury.

“He could potentially be available for tomorrow. There’s nothing wrong with his knee. Without going too much into the details, it’s something with the muscle.

“The physios explained the details and I completely forgot! I’m just glad it isn’t serious.”

Only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane have scored more than Toney’s tally of 12 top-flight goals this season.

The former Newcastle frontman, Manchester City striker Haaland and Tottenham talisman Kane were the only three players to find the back of the net at least 20 times in the Premier League in 2022.

Toney has scored in both of Brentford’s games since the break for the World Cup and has five goals in his past four appearances.

The Football Association last month charged Toney with 30 further breaches of the governing body’s betting rules, taking his number of alleged violations to 262.

20 – Ivan Toney is the third player to score 20+ goals in the Premier League in 2022, after Harry Kane (26) and Erling Haaland (20). Company. pic.twitter.com/CklpecQyPl

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 30, 2022