Burnley get incredible injury boost as SIX players to return for Aston Villa and Newcastle United games

Burnley have been given a huge boost in their hopes of playing Premier League football next season with as many as six players returning from injury for the final two games against Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

Whilst there’s no denying the struggles of the Clarets throughout the year, they have certainly not been helped by injuries to a number of key men, none-more-so than the central defensive partnership of captain Ben Mee and James Tarkowski.

But with just a couple of matches to go and their top flight status on the line, those two, along with four others could return for the fight - with the majority hoping to be available for Thursday’s game at Villa Park.

Speaking ahead of the match, Burnley takeover manager Mike Jackson gave an update on all of those on the treatment table at Turf Moor.

“Jay Rodriguez, he’s stepping up now so there’s a possibility maybe coming up for him,” he said.

“Tarky has been on the grass today, stepping things up, so has Ben, Johann [Berg Gudmundsson] as well.

“Erik [Pieters] is off the grass at the moment and Dale [Stephens] was more of a precaution thing as well so, they are all out running which is really good, going through fitness tests.

“If we can get them back for these two games whether it’s this one coming up or the last one, that will be a big boost to the group as well.”

All but possibly Mee look like they could make the trip to the West Midlands on Thursday though Jackson was understandably vague when asked.

“Honestly, I wouldn’t tell lies, I honestly don’t know at this moment in time,” he added.

“I think Tarky has got more of a chance than Ben to be honest, Ben is on the grass but obviously he’s been out for a long time - Tarky has only been out for 10 days.

“We’ve got to be careful with Ben and look at both of these games to make sure we make the right decisions for not just the team but for the lads themselves.”

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