Brentford: Rico Henry to make long-awaited injury return with FA Cup start against Plymouth

Highly-rated left-back is set to finally end absence of almost 500 days in home third round tie this weekend

Rico Henry is in line to start Brentford’s FA Cup meeting with Plymouth this weekend, with the full-back at last set to make his long-awaited return from injury.

Henry has not played first-team football since suffering a serious knee injury against Newcastle in September 2023.

There have been several complications during the Englishman’s recovery and his absence will have stretched to almost 500 days by the time managerless Championship strugglers Argyle visit the Gtech Community Stadium for Saturday’s third round tie.

However, having come through an in-house friendly last weekend, the 27-year-old is now ready to make his comeback.

Rico Henry nearing Brentford comeback after return from injury in behind-closed-doors game - Yahoo Sport

Brentford decided against fielding Henry in a ‘B’ team game against Charlton on Tuesday, but, barring a late change of heart, Thomas Frank is expected to name him in his starting lineup this weekend.

While Henry is not yet ready to play 90 minutes, his return would be a major boost for the Bees, who have struggled at full-back during his absence.

Scotland right-back Aaron Hickey has also not played since the early part of last term because of injury and Frank has this season resorted to using Keane Lewis-Potter at left-back.

The former Hull man, who is a winger by trade, has impressed and was this week rewarded with a contract extension, but Henry had been one of Brentford’s most consistent performers stretching back to their Championship days and had been pushing for an England call-up prior to his injury.

What Thomas Frank has said about the Everton fans as he emerges as potential Sean Dyche successor

Many Everton fans remain hopeful that The Friedkin Group will soon replace Sean Dyche as manager.

The new owners gave Dyche their backing on arrival at the club, but results have remained poor and Saturday’s defeat to Bournemouth was especially bad, with the team having zero shots on target.

Bournemouth fans were even mocking Everton during the game, the performance of the visitors was that dismal.

Everton’s form this season has been alarming.

There has been a serious lack of threat up top, and the inability to score goals means Everton have only managed to amass 17 points in the Premier League.

Frank's praise for Everton and Dyche | Brentford FC

The Friedkin Group have considered some managerial candidates to replace Dyche, so seemingly there is a chance he could soon go, despite their initial backing.

And one man Everton are said to like is Thomas Frank, which is interesting as he is someone who has had some very nice things to say about the Toffees.