Brentford hardly-seen player is primed as the perfect Kevin Schade replacement
Keith Andrews has a solution in his Brentford squad already amid fears over Kevin Schade's fitness.
The German winger has been one of the most influential attackers for the Bees this season, but was forced off with a shoulder injury at the weekend.
The London-based side will not want to lose the 24-year-old, who is currently their top goal scorer.
He has been a significant asset that has made Brentford one of just three Premier League sides yet to lose a game.
Assessments will be made on Schade's fitness, and whether he will be available to face Liverpool at the weekend.
But Andrews could turn to a fringe star who has already had a big impact, despite limited involvement.
How Keith Andrews can alleviate Brentford's Kevin Schade fears
Andrews will be looking at training this week with many players potentially vying for a spot in the starting XI.
If Schade is ruled out, it will open a spot for a fringe player to make their case.
Against Aston Villa, it was Mamadou Sangare who entered the pitch in place of the German.
Hardly a like-for-like change. However, the Irishman did have another option at his disposal, and one who has found himself in form despite rarely being used.
Fabio Carvalho is that player, and while life at Brentford has not gone great for the English-born Portuguese youth star so far, he has found himself amongst the goals.
In his last two appearances, Carvalho has scored twice, one in the Carabao Cup against Reading, and then a goal in added time against Chelsea just before the international break.
That three-minute cameo against Chelsea is his only Premier League appearance so far.
With that form, it is strange that Carvalho was not handed any minutes against Aston Villa, as Andrews could look to nurture that.
However, with Schade's possible unavailability, now is the perfect time to reward the 24-year-old.
Has Andrews shared an indication about Schade?
Andrews has kept things tight-lipped over Schade's fitness, with the Brentford boss admitting he wasn't sure how he was after he went off against Villa.
However, with a couple of days now passed since then, the Irishman has likely got a better view of the situation.
Hopefully, when Andrews speaks ahead of facing Liverpool, a positive update is shared, but if not, Carvalho should be seriously considered as an option against his former club.