Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool’s former No.2 is not in the squad for Brentford’s Premier league fixture against Burnley this afternoon.
Caoimhin Kelleher has finally grabbed his chance to shine this season after stepping out of the shadows of Alisson Becker and becoming Brentford’s certified No.1 between the sticks.
After a significant summer of change for Brentford that consisted of losing their goalkeeper Mark Flekken to Bayer Leverkusen as well as their star attacking duo Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbuemo, Caoimhin Kelleher has been a key component to a side that has silently had a terrific season under Thomas Frank’s successor Keith Andrews.
The Irish shot-stopper has featured 27 times in the Premier League for the Bees this season, starting every game between the sticks.
However, he is set to sit out Brentford’s Premier League fixture against Burnley this afternoon and Keith Andrews has now revealed the reason behind it.
Via their social media channels, Brentford posted a quote from the manager, which read: “Caoimhin’s partner had a baby. We are delighted for them and we wish them well but he couldn’t play.”
No injury for the former Liverpool player then, just a deeply personal moment that meant the football had to come second.
As a result of Caoimhin Kelleher’s absence, Hakon Valdimarsson starts the game in goal for the London-based side in what will be just his second Premier League appearance.
🎙️ Keith Andrews on Caoimhín Kelleher
“Caoimhín’s partner had a baby. We are delighted for them and we wish them well but he couldn’t play today”
Congratulations from all of us, Caoimhín ❤️ pic.twitter.com/78Kb4J93y0
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) February 28, 2026
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