Football League World
·22 November 2024
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·22 November 2024
The Clarets are getting closer to having a fully fit squad.
Burnley manager Scott Parker has provided a fitness update on Lyle Foster, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Worrall, plus others, ahead of his side's match against Bristol City.
The Clarets will be up against a tough test this weekend when they take on Liam Manning's Robins, who aer a solid defensive team that are effective on the counter-attack. For Burnley, who have struggled to find the back of the net as of late, that could cause some real issues.
Parker has had to deal with an injury-ridden squad pretty much from the moment he arrived in Lancashire. However, the number of players on the club's books has made the number of knocks they have suffered less painful than had it happened to a team with a smaller squad.
Injuries are always frustrating to deal with, for coaches and, of course, for the players, but some key members of the Clarets sound like they're getting much closer to being match fit.
The Burnley boss has stated that the City game will come a little bit soon for Foster, who has been out since mid-October after picking up a knee injury on international duty, but he, and multiple other players, are getting closer to getting back into the squad.
Parker also addressed the state of the aforementioned Ramsey and Worrall. They aren't as close to a return as their South African teammate, but they are heading the "right way", according to the boss.
"We’re getting closer to that," said Parker when asked about having a fully fit squad to work with, via the Burnley Express.
"Some better signs ahead regarding players coming back – Nathan Redmond is pushing on really well. Hjalmar Ekdal as well. Both played in the Under-23s game a week ago so that’s pleasing.
"Lyle (Foster) as well, on the grass, but still a little bit away. (Aaron) Ramsey, Joe Worrall are all progressing in the right way so really pleased regarding that.
" Training to game time is obviously very different, it’s in a controlled environment. Overall, it’s pleasing though and we’re moving in the right direction.
"(Having a full-fit squad) can be the hardest part of the job for any manager. Managing the dynamics of a big squad but it’s a headache I’d like. A lot have been on the treatment table for some time, good quality players. I’m looking forward to them all being fit."
The Clarets' current struggles in front of goal are widely known, and were predicted by some after their blazing start to the season.
They have scored the least amount of goals and have created the fewest big chances of any team in the top six.
Josh Brownhill, Burnley's captain, previously stated that he believed it was the finishing of their chances that was the main their problem, and not actually fashioning opportunities.
If that is the case, then Foster's presence in the squad, when he does make his return, will be very helpful for fixing this issue. In the games that he played prior to his knee injury, he wasn't the efficient forward that he showed himself to be in the Premier League. Last season did show that he has that ability in him to finish well at a high level.
There are no guarantees in football, especially in the Championship, but the South African will at least improve their chances of finding the back of the net more often.
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