Burnley are unlikely to recall club-record signing Ben Gibson from exile despite possessing only two fit central defenders.
Sean Dyche’s injury concerns worsened over the weekend when captain Ben Mee was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a thigh problem.
It leaves James Tarkowski and Kevin Long as Dyche’s only senior options at centre half. Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Sheffield United was Long’s first Premier League start since 2018.
Only a dramatic shift in circumstances would see Gibson’s return, however, after a breakdown in relationship with the club earlier this season.