Brentford’s striking crisis will continue into the new season after boss Andy Scott revealed Charlie MacDonald will sit out all of the club’s pre-season friendly schedule.

The 27-year-old required surgery after suffering a serious shoulder injury against Gillingham as the Bees lost the services of three strikers during the course of their run-in to the League Two title.

Nathan Elder, who has targeted a return against former club Brighton, is still recovering from a shattered cheekbone leaving Scott with new boy Ben Strevens, Moses Ademola and Ross Montague - who is still feeling his way back to fitness after knee surgery - available to start the campaign.

“We won’t be pushing Charlie to get back. It was a very bad injury and he won;t be playing a part in our friendlies,” said the manager this week.

“It is great he is able to train with us for the fitness sessions because it means he will be flying when he does come back, but he isn’t close to being strong enough for playing yet.

“We may have to wait at least a couple of months for him.”