Brentford Hoping for Aaron Hickey's Return Before March Concludes
Brentford are optimistic that defender Aaron Hickey can make a comeback from injury following the March international break, as confirmed by the club's official website. The 23-year-old full-back is currently sidelined with a hamstring issue, sustained late last month during a match against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Injury Update and Team News
This potential return would provide a significant boost for Brentford, enhancing their defensive options and depth. Hickey offers manager Keith Andrews additional flexibility at the back when fit. The injury news comes as Brentford prepare for their upcoming Premier League fixture against AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday.
In other team developments, Brentford secured a 4-3 victory away at Burnley over the weekend. Key contributions came from Mikkel Damsgaard, who scored twice, while attacking players Kevin Schade and Igor Thiago also found the net in Lancashire.
Hickey's Career and International Aspirations
Hickey, born in Glasgow, has earned 19 caps for Scotland and is aiming to secure a spot in the national squad for the upcoming World Cup this summer. His career trajectory includes breaking into the first-team at Hearts as a teenager, followed by a move to Bologna in Italy in 2020, where he made 48 appearances over two years in Serie A.
Brentford acquired Hickey in 2022 on a long-term contract, and he has since played 60 games for the club, establishing himself as a reliable defender.
Additional Injury Concerns for Brentford
Beyond Hickey, Brentford face other injury challenges. Vitaly Janelt remains in the treatment room, while Antoni Milambo and Fabio Carvalho are out with ACL injuries. There is some positive news, as Reiss Nelson could return against Bournemouth, though Josh DaSilva is not yet ready for action.
Manager Keith Andrews on Contract Extension
In related news, Brentford head coach Keith Andrews recently signed a contract extension. Reflecting on this, Andrews expressed pride and gratitude, stating, "I'm very proud. It wasn't long ago that I was signing my first contract so, to be sat here however many months later, that's probably a good sign!"
He added, "It's felt like it's gone pretty quick, a lot has happened, but I'm just really proud to get that real vote of confidence from Matthew Benham, Phil Giles, Lee Dykes and Ben Ryan. Everyone knows that I'm pretty privileged to be head coach of this amazing club, so to do that for lots and lots more years will be nice."
