Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has revealed that Kevin Schade is edging closer to a return.

The Germany international last appeared for the Bees in a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United on 16 September.

“Kevin Schade has been progressing well,” said Frank.

“He’s been on the grass fully training with the group from the beginning of the international break and that’s positive.

“He’s a key player for us and he’ll be an even more important player in the future. He was very unlucky with his injury; he’d just scored a fantastic goal against Crystal Palace at home and was finding his feet. We really saw his high potential.

“I’m really looking forward to welcoming him back into the squad soon.”

Fellow forward Bryan Mbeumo, who had been absent since the start of December due to an ankle injury, made a substitute appearance against Burnley – the Bees’ final game before the international break.

And Frank expressed his delight at having a key player return to the fold.

“He looked lively and good,” said the Dane. “I’m so pleased to have him as part of the team. He has progressed further this week just gone in terms of fitness work and trying to get sharper and sharper. It’s really positive. He’s a key player for us and has been for a long period.”

With nine games of the Premier League season left to play, starting with Manchester United’s visit to Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, Frank stressed that the Bees fans have a big role to play during the run-in.

“It’s very important that we stick together and we keep pushing together,” he said.

“We can only do it together with the fans. The fans are crucial. The fans were very good at Burnley in a very tricky, tough situation where we had to fight and be together, and I really appreciated their support throughout the game. We could really hear them and feel them.

“It’s so, so important we do it together – especially when it’s not going the right way. I promise you the players will fight and they will run. It’s in the quiet moments, or the tricky, tough, sticky situations, where we need them the most.”