Kristoffer Ajer
BRENorway
Right
Apr 17, 1998
27
6'6"
203 lb
CB
LB
Controlled Centre Back
BrentfordStarting Sunday
Ajer (ankle) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Aston Villa.
Analysis: Ajer isback with the club Sunday after avoiding a major injury, with the defender not only an option but in the starting XI. With seven starts over their past eight games, the defender should remain in a starting role moving forward.
Avoids major injury
Ajer (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's match against Aston Villa, according to manager Keith Andrews. "It was concerning, but they're both pretty good, really. It's nothing serious. Whether they'll be available for the weekend or not, I'm not entirely sure on both of them, but if they're not, they won't be far off. That tells you it's not too bad, thankfully, because I was pretty worried."
Analysis: Ajer looks to be on the verge of making the team Sunday after he was taken off the field early in their last outing, having already avoided a major injury. The hope will be that he is an option to play, and potentially start immediately, as he has started in six of their past seven games. He will likely face some late testing to decide if he can play, with Sepp van den Berg likely to earn the start if Ajer cannot.
Forced off injured
Ajer was forced off in the 37th minute of Sunday's match against Nottingham Forest due to an apparent injury.
Analysis: Ajer was one of two players to leave in the first half for the Bees, with the defender having to exit due to an injury. This will be something for the club to monitor moving forward, starting in 13 of his 17 appearances, and a typical starter as of late. That said, he was replaced by Sepp van den Berg, who will return to a starting role if Ajer misses further time.
Signs contract extension
Ajer has signed a contract extension with Brentford until the end of the 2029/30 season, the club announced Thursday.
Analysis: Ajer has started in 12 of his 16 appearances with Brentford in the current Premier League campaign, and the defender should remain a regular at the back as long as he stays fit. Ajer has been with the Bees since the 2021/22 campaign and is on pace to record 20-plus appearances for the fourth time in that stretch of five seasons.
Keeps clean sheet
Ajer recorded one tackle (one won), eight clearances and two interceptions in Thursday's 0-0 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: Ajer kept his second clean sheet of the season Thursday and he played an important role in that. He made eight clearances, blocked a season-high three shots, won three duels and intercepted two passes in his full 90 minutes of action. He now has 27 clearances over the last two matches alone and is making a case for himself to be an every week starter on Brentford's backline.
Plays 90 with Norway
Ajer (back) started and played 90 minutes in Thursday's 4-1 win over Estonia, according to his club.
Analysis: Ajer was back in the fold during the break, as the defender took the field not with his club but with his international team, starting in a World Cup qualifier with Norway. He would play the full 90, not leaving the field the entire 90 despite his recent back injury. That said, he appears to have recovered from the injury and is ready for play after, set to resume action with Brentford on Nov. 22 when they face Brighton.
Suffers back injury
Ajer suffered a back injury in training and ultimately missed Sunday's 3-1 victory against Newcastle, coach Keith Andrews said in a press conference. "Kris picked up a spasm in his back yesterday [Saturday] in training. He felt something a bit awkward and it wasn't great when he woke up today so he wasn't in the squad."
Analysis: Ajer didn't feel fit enough on Sunday morning to be available for the clash against the Magpies after suffering a back issue in training on Saturday. The defender will hope to recover during the international break to be back available for the clash against Brighton on Nov. 22. If he had to miss more time, Aaron Hickey will likely replace him again in the backline of the Bees.
Available after precautionary sub
Ajer was forced off as a precaution in Tuesday's EFL Cup victory against Aston Villa but has avoided injury and is in contention for Saturday's clash against Fulham, according to the club.
Analysis: Ajer was forced off in the 52nd minute of Tuesday's game against Aston Villa in the EFL Cup as a precaution. The defender has avoided an injury and is available for Saturday's clash against the Cottagers. This is good news for the Bees, although Ajer will likely hold a rotational role moving forward.
Reserve assist during league game
Ajer assisted once to go with one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus Chelsea.
Analysis: For the game's 83rd minute, Ajer replaced Ethan Pinnock. During extra time, while inside Chelsea's penalty box, he headed a throw-in by Kevin Schade. The header went backwards to Fabio Carvalho, who subsequently scored Brentford's second and point-confirming goal.
Assists in Carabao Cup win
Ajer provided an assist during Tuesday's 2-0 win over Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup.
Analysis: Ajer has fallen largely out of contention in the Premier League, playing just six minutes off the bench in the first two matches. He got the start during Tuesday's Carabao Cup clash, and was excellent, shining against fellow Premier League opposition. Ajer has limited upside even when starting, especially as a center-back.
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