Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has backed Kevin Schade to fill the void left by Yoane Wissa’s absence.
Wissa is out until November with an ankle injury suffered in last weekend’s defeat to Manchester City, which is likely to result in more gametime for the Germany international in the Bees’ frontline.
“When it rains, it definitely pours,” said Frank.
“They are unlucky injuries; they are not because we have trained players too hard or we haven’t made them strong enough.
“Of the eight players out, probably five would be starting - depending on the opponent.
“But it is what it is, and we need to deal with it. It’s a big part of a head coach’s job to find those solutions and make the team as competitive as possible.”
Frank continued: “Every time a key player goes out and another comes in, it makes the team a little bit different; no two players are the same.
“Both Kevin and Wissa are good at running in behind; Kevin is obviously quicker.
“Both are good in the air; I think Kevin is a little bit better. Wissa probably links the game a bit better; Kevin is a better pressing player. So there are different pros and cons.”
Schade played the full 90 minutes in the west Londoners' 3-1 victory over Leyton Orient on Tuesday.
And Frank insisted the forward is “getting better and better” after missing most of last season due to an adductor injury.
“Kevin is in a good place,” said Frank.
“He’s getting into good positions and has been a little bit unlucky.
“He hit the post against Southampton and Bryan [Mbeumo] scored – that was a good action.
“He had a fantastic run with the ball and finish against Leyton Orient, which was saved by the keeper, and then Fábio Carvalho scored with a bicycle kick.
“So, he’s getting into those positions and doing a lot of good stuff for us. I think he can do more but I’m pleased with his progress.”