Matt Scrafton's verdict on Burnley's 3-2 defeat to West Ham
The latest news from Burnley as they prepare to host Premier League rivals Chelsea at Turf Moor this weekend.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer is rapidly closing in on a return to fitness - but remains a doubt for Saturday lunchtime’s visit to Burnley.
The former Manchester City attacking midfielder has not featured for the Blues since a 2-1 defeat at Manchester United in mid-September after he finally succumbed to a groin injury that had limited his impact during the early weeks of the season. The England international has made just four appearances in all competitions for Enzo Maresca’s men and has also missed out on adding to his 12 Three Lions caps as he continues to work hard to return to contention ahead of the hectic festive period.
Maresca initially suggested Palmer could return to contention within six weeks and there have been reports a return to training is close. Speaking last month, the Blues boss said: “I was wrong - unfortunately, he needs to be out probably six more weeks. We try to protect Cole as much as we can. The most important thing is when he comes back, he is fully fit.
“The medical staff are not magicians. We hope six weeks are enough. We need to see it step-by-step. For sure, he's going to be okay. He looks relaxed. He has tried to recover from the injury and is doing all the therapy.”
However, The Standard have now suggested Chelsea view their Champions League clash with La Liga champions Barcelona as a more realistic target and that means he is not expected to face Burnley at Turf Moor this weekend.
Keeper reveals inspiration behind Clarets move
Arijanet Muric.placeholder image
Arijanet Muric. | Getty Images
Arijanet Muric has given an insight into why he opted to join Burnley ahead of their successful Championship title push in 2022.
The former Manchester City goalkeeper made 41 appearances as a Clarets side then managed by Vincent Kompany strode to the top of the second tier table and landed a return to the Premier League. However, life in the top flight was not as straightforward and Muric made just ten Premier League appearances before joining Ipswich Town. After a year with the Tractor Boys, the Kosovo international moved on loan to Serie A club Sassuolo and he has spoken out over his decision to join Burnley three years ago during his time in Italy.
As per SassuoloNews, he said: “I played with Vincent Kompany, and even off the pitch, during my time at Manchester. We were friends. When he went to Anderlecht, I left too. One day, Kompany called me and asked, ‘Where are you?’ And I replied, ‘I’m here!’ He told me he was going to Burnley and asked me if I wanted to go too, if I wanted to join. And I said, ‘Yes, I want to come too.’”
“At that point, I had received other offers, but obviously when he called me, I thought, ‘OK, let’s go with him.’ “We had a great season in the league. We set records. Then we went to the Premier League. It was a little more difficult, but as a player, he was always very serious and strict.”
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