Brentford winger Joel Valencia is set to return to action next month having been able to avoid surgery on his shoulder.

The 25-year-old had feared the injury to be much worse, with many expecting the player to be out for up to three months.

The Ecuadorian had seen a specialist over the weekend after actually dislocating a joint in the 3-0 victory over Wigan before the international break.

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Valencia will be hoping that when he returns from the injury that he is able to have more chances in the Brentford first-team having made just seven appearances since his arrival, with most coming from the bench.

Having joined in the summer from Piast Gliwice, you could probably say that he's till in a settling in period at the club.

With the Bees doing well so far this season, Thomas Frank will be hoping that this injury doesn't affect the options that they have at their disposal for the long-run.

The Verdict

It's a loss that could actually go on to hurt them for the next month, as there's now 10 Championship  games right up until January. It's the busiest part of the season for the Bees, and they'll be hoping that they none of the other wingers in the squad pick up injuries.

Valencia has shown promise when he's came on, but nothing stand-out just yet. When he starts a few games, I'm sure he'll only get better.

The Bees host Reading on Saturday knowing a victory could take them into touching distance of the top six.