Burnley face a major squad crisis ahead of Saturday's Championship clash with Derby County at Turf Moor, with 21 players either ruled out or considered doubtful for selection. The injury list piles pressure on manager Nicky Hayen, who is still searching for his first win after seven games in charge.
The club's 25-man squad list has already seen two summer signings omitted. A striker who has not been fit to feature at the start of the campaign was left out, as was a goalkeeper who arrived as third-choice this summer. A winger who picked up an issue in pre-season is not expected back until after the upcoming international break.
One player has returned to the training pitch following a lengthy absence but is still considered a couple of weeks away from being ready for first-team action. This leaves Hayen with extremely limited options as he prepares his side, who sit 24th in the Championship with just three points from seven games. Their recent form shows no wins, two draws and three losses, including a 3-1 defeat at Swansea City last weekend where Largie Ramazani scored their consolation goal.
The game against Derby is being viewed as an early-season six-pointer, with the visitors also inside the Championship's bottom three after a home loss to Birmingham City. Hayen will have to piece together a competitive side from his depleted resources. Fans can check the latest available players on the club's squad page. The match kicks off at Turf Moor on Saturday, 19 September.
Background and full detail: Burnley Express
