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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Tom Cavilla

Ivan Toney injury update issued ahead of Liverpool clash as defensive duo ruled out

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has revealed Ivan Toney is in contention to feature against Liverpool on Monday.

Forced off on a stretcher during the closing stages of the Bees' win at West Ham United on Friday, Toney's chances of competing against the Reds appeared to be in doubt after seemingly jarring his knee when defending a corner kick.

His absence would have come as a major blow for Brentford after an electrifying start to the season, which has seen the 26-year-old score 13 times in 18 appearances in all competitions. Indeed, Toney was a constant threat last September against Liverpool as Frank's side held the Reds to a 3-3 draw on home soil.

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A positive update has instead emerged on the prolific forward, who is in with a chance of playing in the Premier League fixture. "There is good news with Ivan, it is no significant injury. It is actually potentially possible he could be available for tomorrow," explained Frank at his pre-match press conference.

This match is expected to come too soon for both Aaron Hickey and Kristoffer Ajar, however, with the Brentford boss admitting it is unlikely the defensive duo will be available.

"He is going well, I just watched him train today," he said of Hickey. "But it is too soon to be available for selection for Liverpool. It's more promising with Ajer, he is a bit ahead of Hickey but it is still too soon for Liverpool. Let's see, maybe he is not that far off."

Monday's clash represents a major challenge for Jurgen Klopp's men against a Brentford side unbeaten in five league outings, a run which includes wins away to Manchester City and West Ham and a point at home to Tottenham Hotspur.

Fully aware his players are continuing to punch above their weight, Frank believes the Bees are relishing their underdogs status when facing the big hitters of the division and will do so again against Liverpool.

"We have massive belief in ourselves. The players are a fantastic group that have this confident but humble attitude. We are confident we can get a result against any team, but we're also humble to know that we need to put so much hard work into it," said the Dane.

"Liverpool is a fantastic team, with a fantastic manager, and are favourites in this game. But we know that, under the floodlights at the Gtech [Community Stadium], we will come flying out and do everything we can to get the three points. We want to make it a fortress and be really difficult to play against. We need to be brave, aggressive, press them and attack."

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