£12m star and 8 other players set to miss Burnley v Watford | OneFootball

These players could all be absent from Saturday's clash between Burnley and Watford

One of the most intriguing fixtures at the top end of the Championship this weekend sees Burnley play host to Watford looking to climb into the top two for Christmas.

Things have picked up in recent weeks for Scott Parker's side, who haven't tasted defeat in over a month since a 1-0 reverse away to Millwall and are looking good value to make an instant return to the top flight.

Beating teams around them in the table remains a concern though, so Saturday's game represents a great chance to show they can beat teams with lofty aspirations of their own.

It's also a huge opportunity for Watford, who are aiming to make sure they spend Christmas Day in the top six but will be aware of the enormity of the task at hand.

No team has left Turf Moor victorious this season, so Tom Cleverley's side will have to do something no one else has if they're to strengthen their play-off push.

Both sides will be going to battle without players this weekend, and these are the nine who are set to miss out...

Jordan Beyer

A long-term absentee, Jordan Beyer has been sidelined for almost a year now owing to a meniscus injury, which was aggravated when he returned too early and ultimately required surgery.

It's unclear when he'll return to action, but as of yet there's no word that he's even in training, so he could even miss the remainder of the campaign.

Aaron Ramsey

Another man who's been sidelined for almost a year, there's no set timeline on Aaron Ramsey's return from injury either.

Ramsey returned to training in September but since then hasn't played for the U21s or the first team.

Burnley spent a reported £12m to sign him from Aston Villa in August 2023 and you feel Parker would love to have a player of his creativity.

Manuel Benson

Manuel Benson has played for the club this season, but only a cameo appearance against Blackburn Rovers in August, when he picked up yet another injury.

Injuries have plagued Benson's Burnley career, and as of yet he's nowhere near making a return.

Lyle Foster

Out since October, Lyle Foster is nearing a return for Burnley, but this game will come a little bit too quickly for him, though it's hoped he could feature in the not too distant future.

He's been pictured in training and should make a timely return over the festive period all being well.

Jeremy Sarmiento

Ecuadorian winger Jeremy Sarmiento went off with concussion against Norwich after finding himself on the end of a hefty second-half challenge

Parker claimed he's moving in the right direction, and will make a late call on his inclusion, but with a busy fixture list ahead, he likely won't be rushed back.

Maxime Esteve

Parker dropped the same claim on Maxime Esteve, who he will also make a late call on, but like Sarmiento, he may not be risked with a huge game at Sheffield United on Boxing Day.

Esteve is key to how Burnley like to play, so Parker may keep him in reserve after he limped off with a mysterious injury at Norwich last weekend.

Mike Tresor

The lesser-spotted Mike Tresor will sit out of this clash after sustaining a dead leg, although cynical Burnley fans would argue he wouldn't have played anyway.

Tresor hasn't played for Burnley yet this season and looks set to depart in January if the chance arises.

Tom Dele-Bashiru

While he's closing in on a return from injury, Tom Dele-Bashiru won't be risked here by Tom Cleverley, who saidWatford will be managing his recovery carefully.

Cleverley said before this clash that he hopes Dele-Bashiru will be able to rejoin the group in the coming weeks.

Kevin Keben

The only other senior player out of action for Watford is Kevin Keben, as the Hornets travel to Turf Moor with a relatively full contingent.

Keben suffered a knee injury in November, which Cleverley claimed would keep him out until the new year.

He's only played once for Watford since signing from Toulouse in the summer.