Burnley welcome Aston Villa this weekend in the Premier League and the Clarets will be missing some very important players.
Burnley have been in a great run of form after Dyche’s exit and they are currently unbeaten in their previous four matches. This run might be halted because the Turf Moor outfit will be without as many as five players.
Most of these injured players have no chance of making a return against Villa and only one or maybe two of the injured ones could be available for selection.
Here’s what the club’s official website has updated in terms of their injured players:
Jay Rodriguez – Ruled out with a calf injury
“…was withdrawn before the Watford game with a hamstring injury. He is a doubt for the Villa game.”
Ben Mee – Ruled out with a knee injury
Captain Ben Mee continues his rehabilitation from a leg injury.”
Ashley Westwood – Ruled out with a knee injury
“Ashley Westwood suffered a bad ankle injury in the game at the London Stadium last month against West Ham United. He has had successful surgery and has started his recovery.”
Gudmundsson – Ruled out with a calf injury
“Johann Berg Gudmundsson has a long-term calf injury and misses out again.”
Maxwel Cornet – Late fitness test
“Maxwel Cornet will be assessed before Saturday’s game.”
Erik Pieters – Will not be fit in time
“Erik Pieters has missed the last ten games with a knee injury. He is close to a return to the squad.”
Will Burnley stumble against Aston Villa?
Burnley have been in great form but Villa have stopped their slump at their perfect time, winning one and drawing one of their last two matches.
The Clarets are going to miss some very important players and since they are the ones close to the relegation zone, a slip to the bottom three could very well be playing on their mind this weekend. They are just two points above 18th-placed Everton but the Toffees have played one less game than them.
Burnley need to win at any cost cause so they will be the ones under pressure whereas, on the other hand, Villa have reached the 40-point meaning they are safe.
The home side should be the one picking up all three points because they have wind under their sails but Aston Villa securing a win at Turf Moor won’t be a shocker either.