Fabio Carvalho makes Brentford return after eight months out | OneFootball

Fabio Carvalho made his first Brentford appearance since an ACL injury in November, starting for Brentford B in a behind closed doors friendly at Jersey Road on Wednesday.

According to Hounslow Herald, the Young Bees drew 1-1 with Swansea City Under-21s, Michael Boni scored early in the second half before a late leveller. Sam Saunders gave Carvalho 22 minutes, a likely pre-planned step in his return.

He damaged his ACL in training in mid-November last year, which ruled him out for the rest of the 2025-26 season.

The setback arrived as he tried to impress new head coach Keith Andrews. After starting the 3-1 opening-day defeat at Nottingham Forest, he played only 10 minutes across six cameos in the next 10 league games and was an unused substitute in the other four.

His standout moment was a last-minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea in September. He also featured in all three League Cup ties, scoring twice.

Signed from Liverpool for £27.5m in August 2024, he is yet to cement a Premier League starting place under Thomas Frank or Andrews after limited minutes at Anfield. He has 33 Brentford appearances, with six goals and four assists.

Now gradually reintegrated in pre-season, he feels strong, is seeking rhythm and sharpness he expects will come with time, and wants to stay fit. He has leaned on fellow ACL victim Antoni Milambo during rehab, while Andrews has kept the pair involved with regular daily contact.

Source: Hounslow Herald

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