Brentford manager Thomas Frank has revealed the reason why England striker Ivan Toney was left out of the first game of the season football.
Brentford opened their season with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, with Ivan Toney not even named on the bench. UFABET While Thomas Frank explained his omission from the squad due to interest from other teams.
The 28-year-old has been linked with a number of Premier League sides. Including Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahly. With just one year remaining on his current deal.
“There are a lot of things going on with Ivan (Toney). Especially with transfer interest, so he’s not in the squad.” Frank said.
“We all know Ivan is a top player. He’s been a special player for us for four years. But we showed last year that we can cope without him.”
Asked if the England striker would be without another team. Frank replied: “Who knows? There is interest, but it’s not close to a move.”
For Toney, who joined Brentford from Peterborough in 2020. He has made 128 league appearances, scoring 67 goals.
Frank admitted it was “a very difficult decision” to leave him out. But wants his talisman to be as fit as possible ahead of next weekend’s game against Luton Town.
“I want him as fit as soon as possible and ready,” Frank said.
“It’s always difficult. It’s a very difficult decision to leave your best player out, but we need him to be in a very good fitness status.
“Luckily – and it’s very good – that we could do it without him today.