Brentford's attacking plans suffer blow as Wissa sidelined
Brentford will begin their 2023/24 Premier League campaign without star forward Yoane Wissa, with manager Keith Andrews confirming the DR Congo international's exclusion from Sunday's match against Nottingham Forest. The decision comes amid an ongoing transfer saga involving Newcastle United's rejected £30m bid for the 28-year-old goal machine.

Transfer tensions escalate

• Newcastle's structured offer of £25m + £5m add-ons rejected by Brentford
• Wissa temporarily left pre-season camp in July, threatening contract strike
• Player demands Champions League-level football amid Magpies' interest
• Valuation gap remains between clubs despite player's clear ambitions

Managerial perspective
Andrews emphasized his complex position: "I want Yoane involved, but we must focus on committed players. His disrupted preparation makes Sunday's involvement impractical." The Bees' boss revealed Wissa only returned to training this month following tense negotiations.

Squad overhaul continues
Brentford's summer transformation includes:

• Key departures: Mbeumo (Man Utd), Norgaard (Arsenal), Flekken (Leverkusen)
• New signings: Jordan Henderson, Caoimhin Kelleher, Antoni Milambo
• Tactical reshuffle: System adaptation required for Forest encounter

Strategic implications
The Wissa situation casts shadow over Brentford's:

1. Short-term attacking options
2. January transfer window leverage
3. Squad harmony during transition phase
4. Financial balancing act between ambition and sustainability

Expert analysis
Premier League pundits suggest Wissa's 19-goal campaign has outgrown Brentford's current project. With Champions League clubs circling, Andrews faces mounting pressure to either secure improved terms or identify suitable replacements before transfer deadline.