Brentford have confirmed that winger Sergi Canos is set for a 'significant' spell on the sidelines after picking up a serious knee injury against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The Spaniard only signed a new long-term deal with the club on Wednesday but scans have revealed that the 22-year-old will need a significant period of time to recover from the blow.

The Bees did not give a time frame for his return, but manager Thomas Frank did say: “The injury is extremely sad news for Sergi.

"But I know he will have a bright future at Brentford FC and that is why we have signed him to a new contract.

"Injuries are the worst thing for a player and long-term ones are tough but Sergi is strong, he has a great family support network and a superb group of staff looking after him here."

Over a spell of four years with the club, Canos has made 149 appearances, scoring 23 goals in that time and becoming an integral member of the side.

It is the last thing that Frank will have wanted to hear as well with his side experiencing a slow start to the second-tier campaign, currently sat in 17th with 11 matches played.

After the international break they will welcome Millwall to Griffin Park for a match that they will be eager to win.

The verdict

This is really gutting and it is hard not to be sad for Canos.

He is an excellent player and real joy to watch but it now looks like he will be missing for most the of the season at least.

It is also a huge test for Frank. How he deals with this blow could define the club's season. If he is able to ride it out and lift the rest of the squad, then they could be on their way up the table before you know it.

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