david_smith
There’s good and bad injury news for the Boys in Green.
Robbie Brady is nearing a long-awaited return, but Jon Walters has picked up a calf injury.
Brady played 82 minutes for the Burnley u23 side today, and came through the game unscathed.
The 26-year-old has not played a competitive game for the Clarets since December, when he damaged his right knee in a Premier League clash against Leicester City.
The Republic of Ireland international subsequently required surgery, and suffered a hamstring injury on his return to fitness during preseason.
The Dubliner has not played for the Boys in Green since the play-off defeat to Denmark, but could be in line to make his international return against the same opposition in next month’s UEFA Nations League clash.
His return to fitness will be a huge boost to Sean Dyche’s Burnley, who have endured a tough start to the season.
The 4-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday was sorely needed, but the Clarets remain just one place above the relegation zone after six matches.
However, Walters is a doubt for the upcoming internationals after picking up an injury on Saturday.
The Ireland striker had to be withdrawn just seven minutes after coming off the bench for Ipswich Town after injuring his calf.
It was just Walters’ – on loan from Burnley – second appearance for the Championship side, in what has been a frustrating 12 months at club level for the veteran forward.
“He trained on Friday, he said he felt fine and we said we’d look again on Saturday morning. He said he was fine and I have to say he’s an experienced pro who was desperate to be involved. If he wasn’t okay to go he wouldn’t have put himself up for selection.
“I think it’s his calf rather than the Achilles, but at the same time you have to say maybe his other muscles are working harder to compensate for that. All we can do is keep our fingers crossed it’s not too bad and not out for too long.â€
