Burnley talisman set to return as Sean Dyche reveals TREBLE injury boost ahead of Newcastle United visit

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 07: Sean Dyche, Manager of Burnley argues with the fourth official Robert Jones during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 07, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

While the Magpies are facing up to the reality of missing Allan Saint-Maximin for the whole festive period, the Clarets have been boosted by the return of THREE key players to their first-team fold.

As well as Barnes, Dyche is set to welcome Ashley Westwood and former Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley back, after the trio trained this week.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s clash at Turf Moor, Dyche said: “Barnesy got out training today, and so did Ashley Westwood. We’ve got to see how they react to that but we’re hopeful on those two.”

Meanwhile, the game comes too soon for Charlie Taylor, Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Kevin Long.

“Charlie Taylor is touch and go and we’ll probably edge on the side of caution," said Dyche.

“Johann’s had a good week on the grass with us, so we’ll enter him back into a games programme next week. He won’t be ready immediately but we’ll get him playing. That’s good.

“Kevin Long is making progress but won’t feature at the weekend.

“Woody’s (Chris Wood) carrying a bit of a knock but we expect him to be okay.

“Jay Rodriguez broken his little finger and got a splint on it to protect it.”

United boss Bruce is without Saint-Maximin tomorrow while Ciaran Clark is a serious injury doubt. Matt Ritchie is the only long-term absentee.

Bruce must decide whether to recall Andy Carroll in place of Saint-Maximin.