Brentford boss Keith Andrews says the Bees have had to "navigate through a few issues" ahead of facing Liverpool on Saturday, but he is hopeful that Kevin Schade will be available.
The Reds head to west London off the back of Wednesday's 6-3 win over LASK in the Champions League, with Andoni Iraola admitting it will be touch and go over whether Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai will be available after they all missed the last two matches.
Schade and Schuster injury concerns
Andrews has had similar concerns over star man Schade and defender Jannik Schuster, both of whom were taken off in last weekend's 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.
Schade was withdrawn early in the second half at Villa Park after suffering a shoulder injury, while Schuster was replaced by Aaron Hickey after injuring his ankle.
"Jannik and Kev have been on the grass this week and we'll see what tomorrow brings in terms of how much they can do," Andrews told the media at his press conference on Friday.
"They are different types of injuries. This week, we've had to navigate through a few issues. Those two are some of those who are making their way back from injury. Overall, we're in a really good place."
Other players nearing return
Former Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg was on the bench at Villa Park having failed to feature so far this season as he nurses a groin injury, while defender Nathan Collins and midfielder Mikkel Damsgaard were absent from the squad.
"Closer, is the case with all of those players you just mentioned," said Andrews when asked how close all three were to a return. "They're coming back from different injuries and different lengths of injuries.
"Dams is obviously the shortest of all of them. The one he picked up away with Denmark was from a pretty naughty tackle."
Sangare's role explained
Andrews was also asked about midfielder Mamadou Sangare, who has been dropped to the bench in the Bees' last two games after an impressive start to the season.
"It's no real reflection on him, that he came out of the starting team. We have got a really good squad and really good options," Andrews said.
"Mamadou has been outstanding since he's come in. I think everyone knows that with the accolades and plaudits he's had about the start to his Premier League season and how he came in during pre-season and lit it up.
"He's so dynamic in the way he plays and he's such an infectious player. That hasn't changed. Mamadou will play a lot more games and a lot more minutes for us.
"It's difficult picking the team and the main message to the group is that it's going to be a long season. We've got games coming where the squad will get really tested. If we want to achieve a really special season, we're going to need everybody."
