"Could be really challenging" - Burnley FC concern raised ahead of Preston North End clash | OneFootball

FLW's Burnley fan pundit has given his verdict on Bashir Humphreys' injury

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Bashir Humphreys is set for a spell on the sidelines in a dent to Burnley's bid to catch automatic promotion rivals Sheffield United.

Speaking to the Burnley Express this week, manager Scott Parker has confirmed his absence. A timeline on Humphreys’ potential return was not given, in what could prove a big blow to the team’s top-two battle.

The 21-year-old has been a regular presence in the side this season, making 25 appearances in 34 games in the Championship, but looks set to be absent moving forward – starting with the FA Cup clash against rivals Preston North End this weekend.

Concern raised over Bashir Humphreys' injury

When asked what impact Humphreys’ injury could have on Parker’s side, FLW’s Burnley fan pundit Will Lancaster claimed that putting Lucas Pires into the team in his place will hurt them defensively.

“It’s certainly something to be slightly worried about,” Lancaster told Football League World.

“Pires came in against Sheffield Wednesday and I think the score sort of papered over the cracks a little bit, the first half we were not at the races at all until Marcus Edwards scored.

“Pires was undeniably shaky, it’s just a massive bonus for him that he’s got the best centre-back in the league alongside him in Maxime Esteve.

“He started the season quite well. I think he got two assists on his debut away at Luton Town, but he’s looked just a little bit suspect ever since, and I’m not entirely sure that I trust him in that left-back role.

“I think the defensive record that we’ve got, the defensive record that we’ve got is definitely much more under threat now because Humphreys is obviously a centre-back who's been shifted out to left-back, whereas Pires I could imagine being more of a wing-back in a five.

“So, naturally, he’s just going to want to attack more and that’s just who he is, so I do think that will be a bit of an issue.”

Pires looks set to get a chance to prove his quality against Preston this weekend, before the focus shifts back to the Championship promotion battle.

Lucas Pires could have an impact on Burnley's promotion hopes

Lancaster is unsure what impact Humphreys’ absence will have on the automatic promotion battle, suggesting that more injuries for either Burnley or Sheffield United could swing form and momentum in any direction.

“In terms of the automatic promotion, it’s hard to call really because injuries happen across the board,” he added.

“Sheffield United might lose Gus Hamer for the rest of the season, you just don’t know these things.

“But I think if Humphreys is out for the next five or six games, it could be really challenging.

“Pires can be good enough to step in at times, but just whether he’s got that consistency and that steeliness for the last 12 games, I’m not too sure.”

Burnley are currently third in the Championship, two points behind Sheffield United with 12 games to go.

Any injuries now can have a big impact at the top of the Championship

Losing Humphreys over the next few weeks, or maybe even months, will be a blow to Burnley’s promotion chances.

The defender has been a key part of their impressive defensive record, and moving Pires into the side in his place will be a test of that backline.

But at this stage of the season, any injuries will have the potential to make a big impact, and Parker and Chris Wilder will be keen to see everyone stay fit.

While it’s hard to know just how big of an impact Humphreys’ absence will make, it’s still a pretty big blow given they are already chasing the Blades as it is.