Premier League: Brentford’s loss to Burnley displays Raya’s importance

Brentford have made a great start to life in the Premier League so far, but have been dealt a huge blow as their number one goalkeeper, David Raya, could be out for up to four to five months with a knee injury.

The 26-year-old Spaniard sustained the injury in the 2-1 loss to Leicester City when he collided with Ayoze Perez on Sunday, Matchday 9. Raya has been the Bees first-choice keeper through nine league games, keeping two clean sheets and being an integral part of their team.

Brentford’s head of medical, Neil Greig, said the injury was significant, but would not require surgery.

"David has unfortunately sustained an injury to the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.Positively, this type of injury usually heals well without the need for surgery.David has already begun using a brace specifically designed to aid this process. (via BBC Sport)"

Brentford expects to have Raya back before the end of the season, but in the meantime, it leaves them short at the back with their only other first-team GK being Alvaro Fernandez, who is on loan from Huesca.

Fernandez made his debut in the 2-1 Carabao cup victory over Stoke City, where he made a total of two saves.

The loss of Raya will be a huge loss for the team, as the Spaniard has been an integral part of the team for the past two years, playing 42 league games in their promotion-winning season.

Fernandez’s first taste of Premier League football was one to put behind him as the Bees lost on the road 1-3 to Burnley. He is not to blame alone for the goals, but the loss of David Raya is noticeable.

Hopefully, it will get better for the newbie as they go on a stretch that sees them take on Norwich City, Newcastle and Everton. They are also now winless and pointless in their last three EPL outings.

The Bees are yet to state if they will dip into the market for another GK in January, but it seems likely now they are down to a single first-team GK.