Brentford's new striker Igor Thiago has been ruled out until late 2024 after undergoing knee surgery.
The Brazilian forward, who has been given the No 9 shirt, sustained the injury after scoring twice on his debut in a 5-2 pre-season win over AFC Wimbledon.
Thiago's goals v AFC Wimbledon
"What an introduction!"
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) July 20, 2024
Thiago at the double in the first 45 🔥🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/Z7lcDDzR1e
A club statement said: "Thiago suffered a meniscus injury during the Bees’ 5-2 victory over AFC Wimbledon on 20 July, which has been repaired. The striker will now begin a period of recovery and rehabilitation and is expected to return towards the end of the year."
Thiago joined Brentford from Club Brugge where he shone in his single season with the Belgian club.
In only his second season in Europe, with his first in Bulgaria with Ludogorets, the 23-year-old scored 18 times in 34 Jupiler Pro League appearances as Club Brugge won the title.
Thiago also netted seven times in the 2023/24 UEFA Conference League and was named the tournament's Player of the Season.
Brentford's next pre-season match is at Watford on Saturday, before hosting Wolfsburg six days later.
They begin their Premier League campaign at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday 18 August.
