Keith Andrews admits Brentford miss Vitaly Janelt in midfield | OneFootball

Keith Andrews admits Brentford have lacked Vitaly Janelt’s control in midfield, with the German sidelined since his injury against Brighton. The 27-year-old will not return until after the international break as the Bees head to Leeds.

“We’ve picked up a few (injuries) in the last few weeks. Unfortunately, that has stretched us a little bit and Vitaly was playing a huge part in how we were playing, and allowing us to play in slightly different ways.” He was speaking to Hounslow Herald.

“And then, yeah, the experience that he has, the nous, the trust from his team-mates – it’s not just on the pitch, off the pitch as well. It’s why I was so keen to try and get Vitaly to stay at the club and be part of the next few years. So, yeah, there’s no doubt we miss Vitaly when he’s not available.”

Janelt missed the first part of the season with a heel issue, then was phased back before starting 13 of the 14 matches from matchday 13 to 27 as Brentford mounted an unlikely push for Europe.

He signed a new deal in January, with Andrews calling him a vital figure for the years ahead. His strongest spell aligned with a six-game unbeaten run late in 2025.

Since the Brighton setback he has missed the last three league matches. Brentford have taken five points but often ceded midfield control, from the chaotic 4-3 at Burnley to a second-half collapse against Wolves.

Injuries have mounted elsewhere, with full-backs Aaron Hickey and Rico Henry and playmaker Mikkel Damsgaard also affected, leaving few options from the bench.

“Dams was on the grass today (Friday), which is obviously positive, so we'll give him every chance to see how he is for tomorrow.” Hickey and Henry will be unavailable.

Source: Hounslow Herald