Brentford head coach Thomas Frank provided an update on Aaron Hickey and Ivan Toney ahead of the Bees’ Premier League game against Everton on Saturday.

Toney, who has five goal contributions (4G, 1A) in 13 Premier League appearances this season, missed last weekend’s 5-1 victory over Luton Town due to a hip injury, while Hickey (hamstring) hasn’t featured since October.

“[Toney] is progressing, it is better, and I hope he is available for Saturday,” said Frank. “There is still one more training.

“Ivan just loves to play football. He just wants to get out there and play. All footballers have that same feeling, and of course the Euros are coming up and that’s important. But he’s also aware that it’s important to be fit to go out and perform.”

When asked about the chances of Hickey returning before the end of the campaign, Frank said: “He is progressing. Because he’s been out for so long, I’m not counting on it. Let’s see what happens during the next couple of weeks but I’m not expecting it.”

Rico Henry (knee), Josh Dasilva (knee) and Ben Mee (ankle) are out for the remainder of the season.

Brentford have no fresh injury concerns for the trip to Merseyside.

Frank revealed he watched Everton’s 2-0 victory over Liverpool on Wednesday night and spoke of his admiration for Toffees boss Sean Dyche.

“I thought Everton were good. Very impressive,” he said.

“Everton have been consistently quite good throughout the season.

“They are very good at defending and such a threat at set-pieces and on the counters. They bring great intensity into every game, so it’s going to be difficult.

“I know Sean very well; I’ve met him quite a few times. He’s a great person. He’s a very experienced Premier League manager and he’s done a top job.”