Brentford defender Rico Henry has undergone surgery to stabilise his injured shoulder. The injury had been widely discussed in the media ahead of Rico’s transfer from Walsall to Brentford last week. Proactive steps have now been taken to ensure that Rico is given the best medical attention. The procedure – which took place in London on Thursday – was deemed successful and the teenager will now begin the first phase of his recovery.

Neil Greig, Brentford FC Head of Medical, updated fans on Rico’s injury. “The shoulder injury that Rico sustained in early August was a recurrence of an injury that he sustained originally in 2015,” said Neil. “We were well aware of the issue before he arrived at the Club and as part of a thorough medical assessment we sought the most appropriate expert opinions. Those opinions demonstrated that there was a very high risk of future injury for a number of reasons, which could prolong the issue throughout Rico's career. However, having the injury repaired would significantly lower that risk and give Rico the best opportunity of being successful moving forwards.

“As with all such decisions at the club, there were very open discussions between the medical staff, the player and the senior management. We were united in our belief that proceeding with surgery at this point is in the best long-term interests of both the player and the Club.

“Rico will now recuperate at home for the next ten to 14 days before returning to the Club to begin his early rehabilitation. There is no timescale set for his recovery, as every individual player will recover at a different rate. However, there is every optimism that we will see Rico, fit and well, in a Brentford shirt before too long.”