DR Congo and Brentford forward, Yoane Wissa will be sidelined for a “couple of months” after suffering an ankle injury during his team’s 2-1 loss to Manchester City, according to head coach Thomas Frank.
The 28-year-old DR Congo international was forced off in the first half following a tackle by City’s Mateo Kovacic, despite having scored the opening goal at the Etihad Stadium. Wissa is expected to return in November 2024.
“Wissa’s injury is unfortunate—it’s going to keep him out for a couple of months,” Frank said. “It’s very frustrating. We had so many injuries last season, and I hope we don’t face the same this year, but I may already have spoken too soon.”
Frank highlighted Brentford’s injury struggles, noting the misfortune with players like Igor Thiago and Aaron Hickey, along with contact injuries to Mathias Jensen and now Wissa. However, he stressed the team will “find solutions” to cope.
Wissa had stepped up after the departure of England striker, Ivan Toney to Saudi Pro League’s Al-Ahli, scoring three goals in Brentford’s first four Premier League games. His absence, coupled with Brazilian striker, Igor Thiago’s ongoing recovery from knee surgery, leaves a “big hole” up front for Brentford.
“People said we brought in Igor Thiago to replace Ivan Toney, but we still had Wissa,” Frank explained. “Wissa had a great season last year and started this season strongly with three goals in four games. His importance to the team will be missed, but we’ll find a way forward.”
Wissa’s injury may also impact DR Congo’s Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifying campaign. The Leopards started their Group H matches with wins over Guinea and Ethiopia but face crucial home-and-away games against Tanzania next month, followed by their final group fixtures in November.
