The Belgian international has made an exceptional early impression with the Clarets following his summer move from Anderlecht.
Burnley have been handed a huge injury-boost after manager Sean Dyche confirmed to the club’s official website that star midfielder Steven Defour will return to the Clarets’ first-team squad for this Saturday’s home clash with Crystal Palace.
Following an exceptional start to life at Turf Moor following his £8million (as per BBC) summer transfer from Anderlecht, Defour picked up a hamstring strain during the Clarets’ 3-1 defeat at Southampton last month and was subsequently ruled out of Burnley’s last two fixtures.
Defour was in contention for the Clarets’ trip to Old Trafford last weekend, however Dyche opted to err on the side of caution by giing the gifted 28-year-old another week to recuperate and get up to full-fitness before returning to the first-team fold, a pragmatic decision that the Clarets’ boss is now very happy with:
“He’s good (Defour). We are pleased with our decision and his last week.” The 45-year-old told Burnley’s official website.
“A player’s urge is to play, particularly in games like that (against Manchester United). We had to make a judgement call with the medical team here and we decided it wasn’t the right thing to do.
“That’s allowed him more days to train and train properly and he certainly looks and seems like he’s feeling well.”
Burnley coped admirably in Defour’s absence, picking up a commendable four points from daunting ties against Everton and Manchester United to kick-start their season and climb up to 14th in the Premier League table.
However, the former Anderlecht lynchpin had been in sparkling form for the Clarets prior to his untimely injury blow, and Dyche will be delighted to welcome him back to the fold, as in-form Burnley go in search of their fourth home win of the season against Alan Pardew’s Palace this weekend.
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