Brentford's Thiago out of action until end of year after surgery

LONDON - Brentford's new club-record signing Igor Thiago is expected to be sidelined until late 2024 following surgery on a knee injury, the Premier League club announced Wednesday.

The 23-year-old Brazilian forward suffered a meniscus problem after scoring twice during the Bees' 5-2 friendly victory over AFC Wimbledon on 20 July.

Thiago joined London club Brentford at the start of the month, having agreed his reported £30 million ($39 million, 36 million euros) transfer from Club Brugge in February.

"The striker will now begin a period of recovery and rehabilitation and is expected to return towards the end of the year," said a statement on Brentford's website.

Thiago scored 18 goals in 34 league games as Club Brugge won the Belgian title.

He previously played for Bulgarian club Ludogorets after starting his career in his homeland with Cruzeiro.