Brentford vs Leeds United - Brentford without James Tarkowski

Posted Tuesday, January 26, 2016 by PA

Brentford defender James Tarkowski will not return to contention for the home game against Leeds.

Tarkowski has apologised to the club and fans for refusing to play in the recent defeat to Burnley, who recently attempted to sign him, but the centre-half was left out of the squad for Saturday's win at Preston after being disciplined by the club and is again expected to play no part.

The Bees will also be without midfielder Toumani Diagouraga, who missed the Preston game in order to complete his move to Leeds for an undisclosed fee.

Striker Scott Hogan and defender Andreas Bjelland both knee remain long-term absentees.

Diagouraga could make his debut for Leeds against his former club after passing a medical test at Elland Road over the weekend.

But head coach Steve Evans will be without fellow midfielder Alex Mowatt due to heavy bruising sustained in the recent defeat at Sheffield Wednesday.

Evans could opt to recall fit-again Chris Wood to the starting line-up. The striker stepped off the bench in Saturday's home win against Bristol City after missing the previous four games due to a hamstring injury.

Souleymane Doukara will be hoping to retain his place up front after scoring three goals in his last four matches.