Brentford dealt major injury blow ahead of Chelsea clash as defensive crisis worsens

Brentford manager Thomas Frank has confirmed that Ben Mee will miss the rest of the season with an ankle fracture. The 34-year-old will be sidelined for the business end of the campaign as the Bees look to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The former Burnley defender suffered an ankle injury during Monday's 4-2 defeat away at West Ham United. Mee joins the list of defensive issues with Josh Dasilva and Rico Henry sidelined with knee injuries, as well as Aaron Hickey and Ethan Pinnock who face a period on the sidelines.

Brentford sit five points clear of the bottom three and behind Everton following the reduction of their deduction from 10 points to six. Frank's side take on Chelsea this weekend before taking on European hopefuls in four out of their next five matches.

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Brentford's head coach, Thomas Frank, is ready to fight hard to avoid a relegation battle. His team, the Bees, are set to play against Chelsea on Saturday before taking on European hopefuls in four out of their next five matches with Arsenal, Manchester United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa on the horizon.

«Unfortunately, Ben Mee is injured and out for the rest of the season,» the Dane said. «He got a fracture to his ankle in the contact at West Ham. That is our entire back four out and potentially seven starters out.

»That's life and it's up to me and the players to find a way out. We were in a 12-game unbeaten run and everyone thought 'wow, Brentford are so good.' It's still the same staff, owner and players.

«Why is it now that we lost 10 of the last 12?