Brentford winger Joel Valencia is facing up to three months on the sidelines with injury, a report from West London Sport has claimed.

Valencia suffered a dislocated shoulder during the Bees' 3-0 win away at Wigan Athletic last weekend, and it seems the full extent of the damage is yet to fully be determined.

According to the latest reports, the 25-year-old is set to see a specialist establish whether or not he will need surgery to help fix the injury.

It is thought that if Valencia does not need surgery, he will be put on a rehabilitation programme that will keep him out of action for six weeks.

However, if the winger is forced to go under the knife, then it could be three months until he is able to feature again for Thomas Frank's side.

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A summer signing from Polish outfit Piast Gliwice, Valencia has made seven appearances in all competitions for Brentford so far this season.

The Bees are currently ninth in League One after 16 games of the season, and are next in action when they host Reading at Griffin Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Verdict

This will be a frustrating situation for Brentford.

While he has not exactly been a regular this season, the fact that Valencia has still made a number of appearances suggests that Frank still feels he is a reliable option to be called upon as things stand.

As a result, Valencia's layoff means that Brentford are now walking more of a tightrope when it comes to any further injuries or suspensions they may be hit with in that area.

If they do not arise however, there may be some concern for Valencia over whether or not he will be able to force his way back into the Brentford side when he returns to fitness, if they are able to continue their impressive start to the season without him.