Brentford head coach Keith Andrews has delivered a crucial squad update ahead of a pivotal Premier League clash this Saturday, with key players Aaron Hickey and Vitaly Janelt still on the mend.

Both Hickey (hamstring) and Janelt (metatarsal) have been sidelined since late February, and their returns are being carefully managed. Andrews provided a clear timeline, stating, "Aaron is closer than Vitaly, for sure. He's probably not going to make Saturday, but he's not too far away—he's been training with the group this week." The news is less promising for Janelt, whose recovery from a different type of injury is expected to take "a good few weeks" longer.

The injury list extends beyond those two, with Rico Henry (hamstring) and Josh Dasilva (knee ligament) also unavailable. In a significant blow for the long term, Fábio Carvalho and Antoni Milambo will miss the rest of the campaign due to ACL injuries.

Andrews also touched on the squad's mindset following the international break, acknowledging the mixed emotions. While celebrating Igor Thiago's first senior call-up, the team is supporting others dealing with the disappointment of missing major tournaments, emphasizing the need to respect those contrasting feelings as they regroup.

All focus now shifts to a massive Saturday showdown at the Gtech Community Stadium. Everton arrives level on points with the Bees, making this a direct six-pointer in the Premier League table. Andrews highlighted the extended preparation time, noting the break allowed the team to self-assess and fine-tune their approach for the final stretch of the season. With the table so tight, every player available and every tactical adjustment could be the difference.