Brentford boss Mark Warburton has revealed his table-topping squad does not need major surgery this January and the same can be said for his injured stars.

The Griffin Park chief, who signed Blackburn Rovers striker Alan Judge on-loan last week, is looking to secure more defensive cover this week as the Bees gear up for a League One title challenge in 2014.

Brentford beat Port Vale 2-0 on Saturday - their eighth league win in succession - without the services of key men Adam Forshaw, Jonathan Douglas and Harlee Dean.

But Warburton expects them to return to training this week and hopes to have a new face to introduce to them at Jersey Road before the weekend trip to Walsall.

"They [Jonathan Douglas, Harlee Dean and Adam Forshaw] have knocks after the busy Christmas period and are being managed by the medical staff," he revealed at the weekend.

"Forshaw got stamped on last week, right at the end at Peterborough United. We thought it was bruising around the calf, but a scan revealed it was a small tear. He should be back in training this week hopefully.

"Harlee came through the Christmas programme with a small problem, but rest and recuperation should cure it. He is being looked after.

"Dougie was back in running today after his hamstring problem and should return to training this week.

"There will be one more coming in this week I hope, then we're done. More defensive minded.

"The guys are top of the league and we don't need dramatic changes. But players like Alan Judge provide us with good cover.”

Goal hero Marcello Trotta is on international duty with Italy U21s this week and Warburton reckoned it would be help rather than a hinderance to him.

"Marcello wants to show the crowd that he is passionate about being at Brentford," he added.

"He travels away tomorrow with the Italian under-21s, and returns on Wednesday evening.

"We all know he's a talented player. It's good for him to go back home and chat to fellow Italians, etc."