Rico Henry nearing Brentford comeback after return from injury in behind-closed doors game | OneFootball

Defender has not played since suffering the second serious knee injury of his career in September 2023

Comeback: Rico Henry

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Rico Henry is nearing a return from injury after featuring in an in-house match at Brentford's training ground on Saturday.

His recovery has been delayed by complications but he is now close to returning.

Brentford have been weighing up whether to play Henry in a B-Team game against Charlton on Tuesday afternoon.

Thomas Frank’s first-team host Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup on Saturday, and it remains to be seen whether Henry will be considered for the squad for that third-round tie.

Rico Henry playing at the beginning of last season

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The 27-year-old was close to returning in September, but he suffered a minor knock before he was due to play in a friendly with QPR.

Speaking in the summer, Henry said the chance to play for England at the World Cup in 2026 is a factor motivating him to come back stronger than ever.

New England boss Thomas Tuchel is short of left-back options and Henry was impressing for Brentford before his latest knee injury.

“One thing that really motivated me was looking forward to the World Cup in 2026 - there’s always a chance,” said Henry. “I’m still so determined to get into the England team.

“It would be a dream come true. I played for some of the youth teams, but getting a senior cap is one of my main goals. That’s what everyone plays football for: to feature for your country.

“I know I had a chance before I got injured, but people reminding me that I can still do it really encourages me. I just need to come back, stay fit and play well.”