Brentford are set to be without captain Nathan Collins when Chelsea visit the Gtech Community Stadium on Friday night.
Keith Andrews has confirmed the defender suffered a calf strain against Sunderland and will not return before the international break, ruling him out of the west London derby.
The Bees could also be missing Mathias Jensen, with Andrews admitting the midfielder is unlikely to be ready for Chelsea as he continues his recovery from a minor problem.
That leaves Brentford facing two significant selection concerns before Xabi Alonso’s side arrive on Friday.
Nathan Collins ruled out against Chelsea
Collins is the most significant confirmed absence.
The Republic of Ireland international was forced off after only 17 minutes of Brentford’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland.
Brentford subsequently confirmed through their official Nathan Collins injury update that the captain had suffered a calf strain.
Andrews initially did not know the full severity of the problem.
The picture became clearer before Brentford’s meeting with Bournemouth.
Their latest official team-news update confirmed Collins would not feature again before the international break.
That rules him out against Chelsea.
Collins has been a central figure in Andrews’ defence and losing the club captain represents a significant blow ahead of Friday’s derby.
Jannik Schuster could deputise again
Collins’ injury has already created an opportunity for Jannik Schuster.
The 20-year-old replaced the Brentford captain against Sunderland and impressed on his Premier League debut.
Brentford’s own analysis highlighted how Schuster produced nine clearances, more than any other player on the pitch, after being unexpectedly introduced early in the match.
That performance should give Andrews confidence if he needs the summer signing again against Chelsea.
The absence of Collins would nevertheless remove significant Premier League experience from Brentford’s back line.
That is an area Alonso’s attack should look to test.
Mathias Jensen doubtful for Brentford vs Chelsea
Jensen is another major concern.
The midfielder missed Brentford’s matches against Leeds, Sunderland and Bournemouth after picking up a minor injury.
Andrews confirmed ahead of Bournemouth that Jensen was progressing well but admitted he did not realistically expect the Denmark international to be involved the following weekend.
That places his availability against Chelsea in serious doubt.
Brentford’s Bournemouth match preview carried the manager’s latest assessment and confirmed both Collins and Jensen were unavailable on the south coast.
Jensen’s situation should become clearer as the week progresses.
Brentford still have Reading test before Chelsea
There is another important factor before Friday.
Brentford travel to Reading in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
Their official fixture information confirms the third-round tie takes place at the Select Car Leasing Stadium at 8pm BST on Tuesday 15 September.
That means Chelsea’s final picture of Brentford’s available squad could change again before Friday.
Any player returning against Reading would become a candidate to face Alonso’s side.
Equally, Andrews will hope to avoid adding another injury to a squad already missing its captain.
Chelsea could face changed Brentford defence
Collins’ confirmed absence is the biggest development for Chelsea.
The Blues have scored freely during the opening weeks of the season but have struggled for consistency at the opposite end.
Friday provides another opportunity for Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro to test a Brentford defence without its captain.
Chelsea have their own injury issues to monitor, with Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra among those pushing towards possible returns.
Friday’s west London derby kicks off at 8pm BST at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Chelsea injury news vs Brentford: Caicedo and Palestra latest
Chelsea injury news vs Brentford: Caicedo and Palestra latest
Brentford vs Chelsea: TV channel, live stream and kick-off time
Brentford vs Chelsea: TV channel, live stream and kick-off time