Mikkel Damsgaard
BREDenmark
Right
Jul 3, 2000
25
5'11"
146 lb
AM
CM
Creative Playmaker
BrentfordClears knee scare with Denmark
Damsgaard (knee) has fully recovered from the knee injury that kept him out against Leeds United prior to the international break, scoring the opener and assisting the second goal in Thurday's 4-0 win over North Macedonia, Fodboldlandsholdene posted.
Analysis: Damsgaard had looked like a real concern after being ruled out against Leeds United just days after picking up a knee knock against Wolves, but he answered every question in style on the international stage, scoring and assisting once against North Macedonia. The midfielder looks fully back to his best and should return to Brentford fit and firing with serious momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
Ruled out Saturday
Damsgaard (knee) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Leeds United.
Analysis: Damsgaard is ruled out for Saturday's match against Leeds United due to a knee injury he suffered Monday against Wolverhampton. The midfielder is making progress but not enough, with the staff opting not to take risks. The Danish international had started the last four matches, recording two goals and one assist, making his absence a significant blow for the club.
Appearing doubtful for Saturday
Damsgaard (knee) is doubtful for Saturday's match against Leeds United, according to manager Keith Andrews. "Dams was on grass today, which is obviously positive. We'll give him every chance to see how he is for tomorrow."
Analysis: Damsgaard had to leave the field in Monday's draw with knee issues and is making strides for a return Saturday. However, the midfielder appears to be on the outside looking in, as he is yet to train with the group, a late call that appears to be doubtful for Sunday. He is a regular starter when fit, so if possible, the club will hope to have him in that spot. If he isn't deemed fit, the club will likely call Keane Lewis-Potter into the starting XI in his place.
Exits with knee issue
Damsgaard was forced off in the 72nd minute of Monday's 2-2 draw against Wolves due to ongoing discomfort from the knee knock he initially suffered against Nottingham Forest in late January, according to coach Keith Andrews. "I think it's his knee. He picked up a knock a few weeks ago against Nottingham Forest."
Analysis: Damsgaard is still managing the knee knock he picked up against Nottingham Forest on Jan. 25, an issue that limited him to four straight games off the bench before returning to the starting XI in the last four. The attacking midfielder is expected to be evaluated again in the coming days to rule out any deeper setback, but the fact he is still feeling the effects more than six weeks later suggests the coaching staff could take a more cautious approach moving forward. If he ends up missing time or shifting back into a reduced role, Mathias Jensen is in line to push higher up the pitch while Yehor Yarmolyuk takes over the deeper defensive responsibilities.
Scores first and winner in win
Damsgaard scored two goals and assisted once from four shots and two chances created in Saturday's 4-3 victory versus Burnley.
Analysis: Damsgaard scored the opening goal and the winner as Brentford won 4-3 over Burnley. This brought him up to three goals this season, and his assist for Igor Thiago brings him to four assists for the year. This was the attacking midfielder's first start in February, having been a sub in the last three games. He took four shots in the game, the most he has made in a game this season and also put two shots on target for the second time this year.
Picked for bench
Damsgaard (knee) is on the bench for Sunday's match against Aston Villa.
Analysis: Damsgaard was hoping to be an option Sunday, and after some testing, the attacker is a bench option to face the Bees. He should return to the starting XI after seeing some time, with 15 starts in 20 appearances this season, earning four goal contributions.
Could be option Sunday
Damsgaard (knee) 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: Damsgaard was taken off the field with an injury in the last match but is already on the mend, with the club deeming he has avoided a significant injury. The club has watched the situation closely, as he is a regular starter, with 20 appearances (15 starts). Some testing is likely to take place ahead of the game Sunday to decide if he can play, with Jordan Henderson as a possible replacement after just returning from an injury of his own.
Exits in first half
Damsgaard was forced off the field in the 37th minute of Sunday's match against Nottingham Forest due to an apparent injury.
Analysis: Damsgaard was forced off the field just a few minutes ahead of halftime Sunday, unable to keep going after suffering an injury. This brings some concern to the club, as they could be without an important player to the club, recording four goal contributions in 20 appearances (15 starts) this season. He was replaced by Dango Ouattara, although Jordan Henderson is a more likely replacement in the starting XI if Damsgaard misses further time.
Provides late assist in victory
Damsgaard assisted once to go with zero corners and three chances created in Saturday's 4-1 win over AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Damsgaard came off the bench in the 77th minute and delivered a late assist to seal Kevin Schade's hat trick in Saturday's win over Bournemouth, while also creating three key chances and nearly adding more assists. The Dane, who was a regular starter early in the season, has now been benched in four of the last five Premier League matches following a disappointing run of form. He now totals one goal and three assists across 16 Premier League appearances this season.
Assists from cross
Damsgaard assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 win over Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Damsgaard's driven cross setup Brentford's final goal Saturday in their 2-0 victory at Wolverhampton. The assist marked the midfielder's second of the season and first since Oct. 25. versus Liverpool. After a run of nine successive starts between Sept. and Nov., Damsgaard has been named to the Brentford starting XI in just one of their four Premier League fixtures in December.
Three shots, seven crosses in win
Damsgaard recorded three shots (one on goal), seven crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 3-1 victory over Burnley.
Analysis: Damsgaard has continued his run as the main set-piece taker for Brentford, having taken three corners against Burnley. He took three shots in this game, which was the most he has taken in a game this season.
Three chances created
Damsgaard recorded three crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 3-1 win over Newcastle United.
Analysis: Damsgaard accounted for at least three chances created for a third time this season. This also marked the third straight game where he delivered at least three crosses, and his second straight outing with at least one accurate cross. Defensively, this was the second time in four outings that he did not earn a tackle won.
Assists in win
Damsgaard assisted once to go with two shots (two on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 3-2 victory versus Liverpool.
Analysis: Damsgaard provided one assist during Saturday's win, making the most of a day where Brentford had a surprising amount of the ball. The midfielder was excellent on the ball and took a corner during the win over Liverpool. Damsgaard is the top creative option in midfield, but only has a pair of goal contributions in the first seven Premier League matches.
Decent outing against Fulham
Damsgaard scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), 13 crosses (one accurate) and 10 corners in Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Fulham.
Analysis: Damsgaard capitalized on a defensive mistake to put Brentford ahead in the 20th minute with a composed finish into the bottom corner. He led the press from the left and remained a threat on counters as the Bees tried to reset after halftime. Damsgaard had an impressive outing despite the defeat, contributing 13 crosses, 10 corners and three tackles to show he remains the main threat for the Bees when fit and available.
Returns off bench
Damsgaard (illness) came off the bench during Tuesday's Carabao Cup clash with Aston Villa.
Analysis: Damsgaard came off the bench Tuesday, as expected with an illness behind him. The midfielder wasn't given a major role but should be fully fit and available for the starting XI against Fulham. Damsgaard went the full 90 in each of the two Premier League games he was fit for.
Returns to squad
Damsgaard (illness) is on the bench for Tuesday's Carabao Cup clash with Aston Villa.
Analysis: Damsgaard is back from an illness for Tuesday's clash in the Carabao Cup. He missed out against Chelsea due to the illness but is now fit enough to return just three days later. The short turnaround is a good sign that it wasn't a serious illness, and a good sign that he should be fully fit for a Saturday trip to Fulham.
Out due to illness
Damsgaard isn't available to face Chelsea on Saturday due to an illness, manager Keith Andrews confirmed. "There is illness in the camp. [Mikkel] Damsgaard isn't well, and a couple of the coaches as well."
Analysis: Losing Damsgaard is a huge blow for the Bees, as the Danish playmaker is the team's most creative threat in the final third. He'll aim to recover before the team's next game against Fulham on Sep. 20. In his absence, Andrews decided to tweak the tactical scheme and play with three center-backs following the inclusion of Ethan Pinnock in the XI.
Back in training
Damsgaard (personal) is back in training Thursday ahead of Saturday's match against Aston Villa.
Analysis: Damsgaard is back with the team after his surprise absence from the club's season opener due to the birth of his child, with the attacker training with his team. This will clear him for Saturday's match against Aston Villa, where he will likely see the start, a crucial piece of the team if they want to remain in the Premier League.
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