Vitaly Janelt is in contention for Brentford’s Premier League game against Newcastle United having recovered from a knee injury.

The midfielder was withdrawn during the Bees’ 2-0 win over Southampton in March and has missed the last three games against Leicester City, Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester United.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference, head coach Thomas Frank confirmed that Janelt could feature against the Magpies.

Kristoffer Ajer (calf), Frank Onyeka and Keane Lewis-Potter (knee) remain sidelined.

Newcastle head to the Gtech Community Stadium in pursuit of Champions League qualification following four straight wins in the Premier League, and Frank was full of praise for the job that Eddie Howe has done at St James’ Park.

“I’ve met him a few times, but I haven’t been able to have a pint with him yet,” Frank smiled. “It would be lovely to know him even better.

“He did a top job at Bournemouth. They were an example to follow having got promoted and established themselves in the Premier League.

“He’s got an opportunity at a club that wants to be in the top four and they are definitely doing everything that can to maybe even be there this season.

“They’ve done fantastic. The way [Howe and his coaching staff] came in last year and turned things around relatively quickly, and now how they’ve fine-tuned their style to be energetic, pressing, physical and dynamic, is very impressive.”

Match Preview: Brentford v Newcastle United

Brentford v Newcastle United analysis with The Athletic's Chris Waugh

The Bees go toe-to-toe with the meanest defence in the division on Saturday, with Newcastle having conceded just 20 goals in 28 matches.

“They deserve huge praise for the way they defend,” said Frank. “They are clear in what they want. They have a very well drilled and well picked back five, including [Nick] Pope.

“It looks like they’ve played together forever; they are always in the right positions and they are very good in the duels.

“We need to match their energy and intensity, win enough second-balls and the set-piece battle. Hopefully we’ll be good enough in spells on the ball to create enough opportunities.”