Burnley midfielder Connor Roberts is back in full training and eager to make an impact in the club’s pre‑season, after spending most of last year battling a torn hamstring that kept him out of action.

The 27‑year‑old, who featured in only three league games last season, joined the squad at Turf Moor’s training ground on July 3, 2026, and immediately showed the intensity that earned him a place in the starting XI before his injury. Burnley sit 19th in the Premier League with 22 points from 38 games, a record of 4‑10‑24 and a recent form of D‑L‑D‑L‑L.

How did the injury affect Roberts’ season?

Roberts suffered the hamstring tear in October 2025 during a league match against Liverpool. The setback forced him onto the sidelines for 279 days, meaning he missed 31 Premier League fixtures and only managed a single appearance in the FA Cup. In his brief return in May 2026, he played 45 minutes against Wolverhampton Wanderers, a match that ended 1‑1. The long lay‑off left him lacking match sharpness, but the medical team reported his fitness is now “excellent” and he’s cleared for full contact.

What does his return mean for Burnley’s campaign?

Burnley’s defensive frailties have been exposed – they have conceded 75 goals this season while scoring just 38, a –37 goal difference. Adding a dynamic box‑to‑box midfielder could help the team retain possession higher up the pitch and support the back line. Manager Vincent Kompany has hinted that Roberts will feature in the opening friendly against a Championship side, aiming to test his stamina and link‑up play before the league restarts in August.

Why is the pre‑season crucial now?

With the club 63 points behind leaders Arsenal, every point matters. The pre‑season offers a chance to experiment with formations, especially after a season that saw Burnley finish with a 0‑4‑1 run in their last five games (DDDDL). Roberts’ work rate and ability to drive forward could give Kompany the flexibility to shift from a 4‑4‑2 to a more aggressive 3‑5‑2, potentially easing pressure on the struggling defence.

What are the next steps for Roberts and Burnley?

Roberts will join the squad’s summer tour of Spain, where they face Girona and Valencia in back‑to‑back fixtures. Those games will serve as a litmus test for his recovery and for the squad’s cohesion. If he impresses, Kompany is expected to start him in the Premier League opener against Liverpool on August 12. The club hopes his resurgence can spark a late‑season rally and lift the team out of the relegation zone.

Burnley’s fans will be watching closely, hoping the midfielder’s determination translates into points on the board. With the club’s recent form (0W‑4D‑1L) and a goal deficit that needs addressing, Roberts’ return could be the catalyst the Clarets need to turn the tide.