The former Liverpool captain bolsters the Bees’ midfield after a month-long injury layoff, providing a vital veteran presence for a daunting run-in against the Premier League’s elite.
Jordan Henderson is set to return to the Brentford squad for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Manchester City.
Keith Andrews confirmed the midfielder will be involved at the Gtech Community Stadium after missing more than a month through injury. Henderson has not featured since Brentford’s 0-0 draw away at Leeds United on 21 March, but has now come through a full week of training.
The update is a timely boost for the Bees, who face City, Crystal Palace and Liverpool in their final three league fixtures as they continue to push for the strongest possible finish.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Andrews said the mood around the group has been positive since last weekend’s 3-0 win over West Ham.
“The squad are good, they’re full of energy, and they’ve had a really good week,” Andrews said.
“I’m not long off the training pitch and there’s a good energy around it; everyone’s in a pretty good place.”
Henderson’s return gives Brentford another senior option in midfield ahead of a demanding test against Pep Guardiola’s side. The former Liverpool captain brings experience and control, and his availability comes at an important stage of the run-in.
“Jordan will be involved tomorrow; he’s had a good week’s training as well,” Andrews confirmed.
Brentford also have Vitaly Janelt edging closer to full sharpness. The midfielder returned to the matchday squad against West Ham but remained unused, with the club taking a cautious approach after his spell out.
“Vitaly will be a little bit closer now, with another week’s training under his belt,” Andrews said. “He did well to even be involved last weekend, and we wanted him to be in the squad.”
Rico Henry remains further away. The left-back has returned to grass work, but Andrews made clear the Manchester City game will come too soon.
“Rico was back on the grass on Friday, but he won’t be involved,” he said. “He’s not ready yet.”
The overall picture is still encouraging for Brentford. Henderson is available again, Janelt is progressing and the squad has come through a positive week as they prepare to face the defending champions.
Andrews also acknowledged that Brentford still have plenty to do if they are to turn their strong season into European qualification, but he insisted the focus cannot drift beyond the immediate challenge.
That makes Henderson’s return and Janelt’s progress more important. Brentford will need as many senior options as possible if they are to stay in the conversation until the final weekend.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do over the next three games to do anything like [qualify for Europe],” Andrews said.
“The focus is on tomorrow, first and foremost, but we want to finish the season really well.”
Manchester City will provide a major test of Brentford’s level, particularly with Guardiola’s side still chasing the Premier League title. But after ending their winless run against West Ham, Brentford at least go into the game with a stronger squad and renewed momentum.
Andrews added: “Tomorrow is obviously going to be very, very difficult, but we want to go there and show what a good team we are.”