Despite a bright start to the campaign, Brentford have now slipped to sixth from bottom in the League One standings after a run of eight matches without a win. Certainly, the Bees are missing the predatory striking instincts of Lloyd Owusu, who has been sidelined since April after picking up a serious abductor injury. After three months of rest, the injury showed no signs of improvement so the burly frontman was then forced to have an operation. Givemefootball's Mark Shail caught up with Owusu whilst he undergoes a period of rehabilitation at Lilleshall.
Q:WHAT'S THE UPDATE ON YOUR INJURY?
A:I'm actually at Lilleshall right now and we've got a six-week plan to get me back to full fitness. It's been a difficult time for me but the injury is showing signs of improvement and we felt this was the best place for me to be during my rehab.
Q:HOW FRUSTRATING HAS IT BEEN FOR YOU OVER THE LAST SIX MONTHS?
A:It's been incredibly frustrating because I could have had the operation when I first picked up the injury in April. But the specialist advised me to rest for a period of three months but unfortunately that didn't help and then I was forced to have the surgery. So in that respect, there were three months of time wasted.
Q:HOW LONG ARE YOU PLANNING TO STAY AT LILLESHALL?
A:Today is actually my last day for the time being. I've been here all week and the medical staff here are pleased with my progress. I'm currently half way into my six-week plan and I'll probably come here again in another three weeks, just before I'm scheduled to return to training.
Q:WHAT HAVE YOU MADE ON THE CLUB'S START?
A:Things started off really well and we were winning games, but we've struggled a bit of late and we now find ourselves at the wrong end of the table. A number of key players left the club at the end of last season and we always knew it was never going to easy this year, but right now we just need a couple of wins to restore our confidence.
Q:HOW TOUGH HAS IT BEEN FOR YOU TO HAVE TO SIT AND WATCH THE GAMES?
A:Too frustrating for words. Some of the service into the box from the wide players has been good and I've watched so many games thinking I should be on the end of those crosses. Jo Kuffour came from Torquay in the summer and he started really well up front but he's having a bit of a quiet spell at the moment. Hopefully I can take some of the workload off him when I'm back.
Q:WHAT ARE YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF MANAGER LEROY ROSENIOR?
A:To be honest, I haven't had much one-to-one with him yet because I've been injured ever since he arrived at the club. But the lads are enjoying the style of football he is trying to play and certainly the atmosphere in the camp is very relaxed.
Q:WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE CHANCES OF YOUR FORMER CLUB READING STAYING IN THE PREMIERSHIP?
A:I've said all along that I don't think they'll go down. I still live in the Reading area so I speak to the players on a regular basis and they are all happy with their start. To win four of their first eight games is a great return and Steve Coppell is doing an excellent job there.
