Vitaly Janelt
BREGermany
Left
May 10, 1998
27
6'0"
174 lb
CM
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Deep-Lying Playmaker
BrentfordLikely to miss time
Janelt suffered a metatarsal injury during the game against Brighton and is set to miss some time to recover, the club announced.
Analysis: Janelt picked up a metatarsal injury during last week's clash against Brighton and has already begun his rehab process, but he is expected to miss time. This is a major setback for the Bees, as the midfielder has been a steady presence in the engine room all season and his absence now forces a reshuffle in the starting XI, with Yehor Yarmolyuk and Jordan Henderson emerging as the leading candidates to step into his role.
Misses due to injury
Janelt (undisclosed) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Burnley due to injury, coach Keith Andrews confirmed to the media.
Analysis: Janelt won't be available for Saturday's showdown with the Clarets after picking up an injury in the last match against Brighton. The midfielder is set to be evaluated early next week to determine whether he can make it back in time for Tuesday's clash with Bournemouth. In the meantime, Yehor Yarmolyuk steps into the midfield Saturday and is in line to take on an expanded role while Janelt remains on the shelf.
Scores header in win
Janelt scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 3-2 win against Newcastle United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 91st minute.
Analysis: Janelt put forth a man of the match performance Saturday as he decisively headed home Brentford's opening goal and cleared a Newcastle shot off of the goal-line in a 3-2 road victory. Across his 90 minutes of play, the holding-midfielder made two tackles (two won), one interception and one block. Janelt was shown a yellow card for the fourth time in his last five league appearances (five starts).
Notches three crosses
Janelt had three crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 1-0 win over Aston Villa. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 93rd minute.
Analysis: Janelt would start in the defensive part of the midfield for a third straight match Sunday, a 10th start in 19 appearances for the midfielder this season. He would record three crosses as his best part of the day, still without a goal contribution in his past three games. He is yet to bag a goal this season, although he does have four assists.
Inks contract extension
Janelt signed a contract extension with Brentford until 2030, the club announced. "I'm delighted to get it done. Vitaly is a vital cog. He's so important to the way we play, and he's an influential figure in the dressing room and in the club. He's been an immense player for us for numerous years, so I'm really pleased to secure Vitaly's future. He's going to be a big player for us for many years to come, said head coach Keith Andrews.
Analysis: Janelt turned professional at RB Leipzig before moving to Bochum and signing for Brentford in October 2020, quickly becoming a key figure in the club's promotion to the Premier League and playing a central role in the play-off run. He established himself as a regular in the top flight, scoring twice against Chelsea in 2022, captaining the side for the first time later that year, and remaining ever-present during the injury-hit 2023/24 campaign, when he was named Players' Player of the Season. Despite missing the end of last season due to heel surgery, Janelt has remained influential this term, featuring regularly and contributing three assists in the last two Premier League games.
Provides new assist in victory
Janelt assisted once to go with four crosses (zero accurate) and four corners in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Sunderland. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 63rd minute.
Analysis: Janelt's work in midfield directly produced the breakthrough, as he won possession and threaded the through ball that sent Igor Thiago clear for the 30th minute opener. He then stayed disciplined in the double pivot, screening counters and helping Brentford manage the game once they took the lead. His contribution was the type that shifts matches, and he was valuable on set pieces as well, contributing four crosses and four corners to go with his defensive solidity, highlighted by two tackles, two interceptions, and one clearance against the Black Cats.
Assists twice Sunday
Janelt assisted twice to go with one shot (zero on goal), four crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 4-2 win against Everton.
Analysis: Janelt set up two of his side's four goals Sunday, giving him three assists over his last four matches. He assisted Igor Thiago's opener in the 11th minute, then set up Nathan Collins' header in the 50th minute which took the 2-0 lead. Janelt has really found his stride over the last four matches, totaling three shots (two on target), five chances created, 14 crosses (seven accurate) and nine corners across 360 minutes. He'll look to keep the momentum going Wednesday versus Sunderland.
Assists in victory
Janelt assisted once to go with six crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 90th minute.
Analysis: Janelt's direct ball forward setup the first Brentford goal Saturday in what would become a resounding 2-0 road victory over Wolverhampton. In addition to his goal contribution, the midfielder led the Brentford attack with six cross attempts (two accurate) while contributing three tackles (three won), three interceptions and three clearances to the defensive effort. After being limited to eight substitute appearances across Brentford's first 13 league fixtures, Janelt has now been named to the starting XI in three of their last four league matchups.
Plays first half Tuesday
Janelt played the first half of Tuesday's Carabao Cup clash with Aston Villa.
Analysis: Janelt returned to action after a heel injury sidelined him to open the campaign. The midfielder has been ramping up his playing time with the reserves and in training and finally returned to a competitive match Tuesday. He should be back in contention for Premier League minutes as soon as a Saturday trip to Fulham.
Makes bench Saturday
Janelt (heel) is on the bench for Saturday's game against Chelsea.
Analysis: Janelt was deemed available for selection earlier in the week, so it's not surprising to see him on the bench. He should add depth in midfield and is likely to become a starter sooner rather than later once he's fully fit.
Available for selection
Janelt (heel) is available for selection for Saturday's clash against Chelsea, the club announced.
Analysis: Janelt is back available for selection after featuring 45 minutes with the reserve team on Tuesday. This is good news for the Bees since he has been an undisputed starter in the midfield last season and will likely claim that spot back in upcoming fixtures after building his competitive fitness gradually.
Features 45 minutes with reserve
Janelt (heel) featured 45 minutes for Brentford's reserve team on Tuesday as he continues his rehabilitation from injury.
Analysis: Janelt missed the beginning of the season due to a heel injury he suffered at the end of last season and has shown positive progress in his recovery after featuring for one half on Tuesday with Brentford's reserve team. This is positive news for Brentford as Janelt was an undisputed starter in the midfield last season and will hope to resume that role once fully fit.
Continues to train
Janelt (heel) was once again viewed in training, according to his club.
Analysis: Janelt is still working his way back from a heel injury dating back to last season but has once again been viewed training, with the midfielder out on the pitch Monday. This continues his rehabilitation program and a potential return soon. The club will resume play on Sept. 13 against Chelsea, hoping their midfielder is an option.
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