Cameroon's Mbuemo Ruled Out Of 2023 AFCON With Ankle Injury

Mbuemo will sit out the next 12 weeks due to an ankle injury he picked up against Brighton and Hove Albion on December 6.

In the absence of the suspended Ivan Toney, Mbuemo has been Brentford's main goal threat this season.

The 24-year-old has seven goals and three assists in 15 Premier League games this term.

The rescheduled 2023 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Ivory Coast next month, with Cameroon placed in the same group with Guinea, Senegal and Gambia.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's clash with Aston Villa, Brentford manager Thomas Frank said: "Operation today in the ankle. Out for 12 weeks. So that will affect his Africa Cup of Nations. He will not participate.

"Let's get through the operation first. Bryan is a positive guy. Everyone that gets a set back it's always tough to take, but he will come back stronger. Very, very good mindset so I'm convinced he will come back stronger."

Asked if Mbeumo’s injury may see Brentford be active in the January transfer window, Frank said: “Of course the long term (injuries) are irritating.

“Throughout the season from game one we have struggled with injuries but we have managed it well.

“Of course we need to look into it January. We are never rushing into things, we try to be clever and take calm, sensible decisions and we will do the same in January.

“So we will not take a player if we don’t think it’s for the longer term but maybe this time maybe a loan it depends how things go in the next three, four weeks.”

Brentford are 11th on the Premier League table.