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Fighting Fit!

Strength in depth helping as Clarets look to keep climbing

2020-12-15T15:13:24.349Z

Fighting Fit!

Strength in depth helping as Clarets look to keep climbing

2020-12-15T15:13:24.349Z

Strength in depth helping as Clarets look to keep climbing

Boss Sean Dyche is heartened to see more of his senior men heading back towards full fitness as the Clarets aim to maintain their upward curve.

Dyche’s squad is edging nearer a clean bill of health as the Barnfield treatment room gradually empties.

Jack Cork, Dale Stephens and Phil Bardsley all featured as over-age players in the U23s’ win over Reading on Monday after spells out through injury.

And while Thursday night’s trip to Aston Villa is likely to come too soon for Cork – who hasn’t figured in the Premier League since June – and, possibly Johann Berg Gudmundsson, the easing of the Clarets’ injury concerns is making a big difference.

“We’re still trying to get Johann back to where he can just play, where he’s free to just run normally and compete normally,” said Dyche.

“He’s still been just below his maximum, so we’re still being a bit careful with him.

“But that’s another four players. Even with the squad looking stronger, that’s still four very good players and we still have them to come back into the thinking.

“The players who have just got through injuries are getting that real match fitness. Ben Mee, of course, has been delivering very good performances and Robbie Brady is settling in and finding his feet a little bit.

“He looks like he’s playing freely again. He’s had a real tough run of injuries – a bit like Johann – so we’re hoping he can keep performing and get that run.

“Matt Lowton missed the early part and is coming back into full fitness and I think these are important factors.

“The Premier League is hard to guarantee results, but it just gives you a much better chance of getting results when everybody is fit and well.”

Clarets Hopeful Wingers Can Add Cutting Edge Against Blades - Image 3

It’s no coincidence that greater strength in depth and increased options for Dyche has brought about an improvement in results.

The Clarets have lost just one of their last five games and climbed out of the Premier League’s bottom three with a first away win of the season at Arsenal on Sunday night.

And with the trip to Villa continuing a run of six games in three weeks either side of Christmas, the easing of the injury list is timely.

“We’re beginning to get back to what we can be about,” added Dyche, whose side has lost just one of their last four away games.

“There’s still some more to go, I think. But that coincides with the injury list getting lighter and numbers coming back.

“Then the performance levels have increased. We’re finding a better balance to our performances at both ends of the pitch and, equally, with the balance of the team with players getting fit.

“It doesn’t guarantee results, but it enhances your chances of getting results.”