The midfielder picked up his injury in the win at QPR last Friday.
Brentford have been dealt an injury blow ahead of Friday evening’s West London derby against Fulham at Griffin Park, with manager Dean Smith confirming to the club’s official website that midfielder Lewis Macleod is likely to miss the rest of the season.
The 22-year-old sustained a serious knee injury in the closing stages of Brentford’s 2-0 win at QPR last Friday, and Smith admitted in his pre-match press conference that the midfielder faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Brentford’s Lewis Macleod in action with Preston North End’s Alex Baptiste
“Lewis Macleod was starting to show the potential he has and his talents as a footballer,” Smith said. “We are deeply disappointed for him but we will be there to support him.”
The injury was particularly unfortunate for a player whose career in West London has been consistently plagued by knocks since his arrival from Rangers in January 2015.
Lewis MacLeod – Rangers shoots at goal
Macleod played just once for the Bees last season, but has been a regular in the matchday squad throughout this campaign. He is not the only Brentford player to have suffered such a setback, however, and Smith urged him to follow the example of others who have made a successful return.
“He only has to look at Andreas Bjelland and Scott Hogan who have come back from serious knee injuries and come out the other side,” he said.
“He can see that the club have been supportive with both of them and they will be with Lewis as well.”
Brentford manager Dean Smith
Smith went on to say that there are no other fresh injury concerns for his side, who are looking to build on their success at Loftus Road with another victory over near neighbours when Fulham visit Griffin Park on Friday night.
The two sides sit next to each other in the Championship table, with the Bees currently one point ahead of this weekend’s opponents. A victory for the hosts would take them up to fifth ahead of Saturday’s fixtures, which is quite an incentive for Smith’s side.
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