17 Months, 7 Days Later—But Onyeka Still Waits for Brentford Start

What seemed like a long-awaited return to Brentford’s starting XI for Nigerian midfielder Frank Onyeka will have to wait a little longer.

Despite speculation earlier in the week, Onyeka has been named on the bench for Brentford’s clash against Aston Villa at the Gtech Community Stadium—their first home fixture of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

The 27-year-old last started a league game on March 16, 2024, in a 2-1 loss to Burnley. Since then, he’s endured a difficult stretch: just two substitute appearances before being loaned out to Bundesliga side FC Augsburg.

After returning to Brentford this summer, Onyeka featured off the bench in their season-opening defeat to Nottingham Forest, fueling hopes of a full return.

That hope, however, remains deferred.

Since joining the club in 2021, Onyeka has made 70 Premier League appearances, with 31 starts and 39 off the bench, contributing one goal and four assists.