Brentford's record signing Igor Thiago is on track to return to training this month and be playing again by March.
Fellow Brazilian Gustavo Nunes is out for longer and is targeting a return before the end of the season. His recovery has been disrupted by the discovery of a second fracture in his lower back.
Last February, Brentford agreed to sign striker Thiago from Belgian side Club Brugge for a club-record fee of around £30million. He finished the season with Brugge before joining the Bees in July.
A meniscus injury prevented the 23-year-old from making his debut until November, but after just four appearances he suffered a knee infection in December which has kept him out ever since.
Thiago is targeting a return to training sometime this month and, barring any setbacks, will be able to play again in March.
Nunes joined Brentford from Brazilian top-flight side Gremio in August on a six-year deal, with the Bees retaining the option to extend his contract by a further two years.
The 19-year-old is still awaiting his competitive debut, and has been sidelined since late in the autumn with a stress fracture in his lower back.
While on the mend from that fracture, it is understood that a second fracture appeared, lengthening his recovery period and delaying his return to training.
On November 13, Thiago and Nunes both played 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors 2-1 friendly win against Cardiff.
Manager Thomas Frank said of the pair’s recovery timescale on January 31: “I would say on track. [They are] not yet running.”
Brentford are 11th in the Premier League table and face West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday.
