At Friday evening’s Sky Bet Championship game against Queens Park Rangers, Lewis Macleod sustained what appeared to be a serious knee injury and was stretchered from the field. In the subsequent days, Club medical staff have investigated the issue and consulted with the leading knee consultant in the country. These investigations have indeed confirmed that Lewis has sustained a significant injury which will require reconstructive surgery.

Brentford FC Head of Medical, Neil Greig, said: “Unfortunately Lewis's injury is a serious one. Clearly we're obliged to keep the full details confidential; however I can say that it is an injury that will need surgery in order for him to recover. We have agreed a plan for the coming weeks with our knee consultant and Lewis will undergo surgery in around two weeks’ time, which will provide appropriate time for the injury to calm down and for us to restore normal movement to the joint. The recovery from an injury of this nature ordinarily takes around nine months; therefore a return toward the beginning of next season is likely.

“Lewis's outlook has been incredibly positive since learning the full extent of his injury and this attitude will stand him in good stead during his recovery. As a staff we're very well aware of Lewis's strength of character, which he's demonstrated since his arrival and which compliments his outstanding talent as a footballer.

“Everyone at the club will of course provide Lewis with our fullest support and a platform for him to return in the best physical condition possible.”