Brentford boss Thomas Frank has confirmed why Ivan Toney will not feature in their opening game of the 2024/25 Premier League season at home to Crystal Palace.
Toney was granted an extended summer break, following England's run to the final of Euro 2024, but he returned to preseason training earlier this month.
His long term future at the club remains a major source of speculation despite Frank previously hinting at his confidence of retaining Toney until his contract expires at the end of the season.
All the latest EPL club news | Team-by-team Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings
Toney has turned down two reported offers from the Saudi Pro League, but until the transfer window closes on August 30, Brentford are still vulnerable to bids for their talisman.
"There's some transfer interest and because of all that we decided not to involve him today. Ivan is a top player; he's been fantastic for us over four years but we also showed, last year especially, that we can win without him", Frank stated ahead of kickoff at the Gtech Community Stadium.
💬 Thomas on Ivan Toney's absence
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) August 18, 2024
"There's some transfer interest and because of all that we decided not to involve him today. Ivan is a top player; he's been fantastic for us over four years but we also showed, last year especially, that we can win without him"#BRECRY pic.twitter.com/mdXp6A7eeh
Yoane Wissa leads the Brentford attack in Toney's absence as Brentford aim to extend their unbeaten opening EPL game record to four seasons.
