Burnley's Ben Gibson out for 'weeks' after hernia operation

Burnley centre-back Ben Gibson has been ruled out for "weeks" after undergoing surgery on a hernia.

The 25-year-old has not played for almost a month after struggling with the problem in Burnley's Europa League play-off first-leg defeat by Olympiakos, in which he was sent off.

Gibson has featured just twice for Burnley since a £15m switch from Sky Bet Championship side Middlesbrough in the summer.

Clarets manager Sean Dyche said: "He's had a minor hernia operation. He felt it against Olympiakos.

"This early in the season, you can't carry it. (It will be) weeks. The specialist says things are pretty simplistic."

Burnley are on a six-game winless run in all competitions and currently sit bottom of the Premier League table ahead of Saturday's home game against Bournemouth.

Steven Defour and Robbie Brady are both nearing returns from their respective injuries but the clash at Turf Moor will come too soon for them too.

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Dyche said: "Steven's going well. He won't be involved yet but he's getting closer. Steven's been training a couple of weeks with the first team.

"He's in a good place and Robbie's not far behind. There's an in-house game for him and Robbie Brady. There's a mixture of reasons why Steven and Robbie add to your group."

"I think the squad we've got is good in all areas, but you want players who can add to that group of course. "It's not just the performance levels, it's the competitive element."

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