Sean Dyche backing Burnley to get through injury issues ahead of Southampton game
Thursday 12 January 2017 16:57, UK
Burnley boss Sean Dyche retains faith in his squad's depth as he looks set to make enforced changes against Southampton this weekend.
Wingers Scott Arfield and Johann Berg Gudmundsson suffered hamstring problems in the FA Cup draw at Sunderland and Dyche confirmed that neither is likely to take to the pitch for Saints' visit to Turf Moor on Saturday.
But he feels, unlike previous seasons, Burnley have built up a squad strong enough to be able to cope with absences.
"The two lads who came off, Scotty and Johann, they are unlikely to be right," he said.
"We're hopeful and quite positive with the news from the scans that it's nothing too major, simple hamstring injuries if you like, but I'd be very surprised if they make it for this weekend."
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The Clarets boss would often retain the same players from week to week in his preferred 4-4-2 system and was rewarded with such a consistent approach with two promotions in three seasons either side of their 2015 demotion from the top flight.
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However, in their second Premier League tilt under him, Dyche has been unafraid to alter both his personnel and formation due to a greater pool of options.
He added: "The depth and the competition within the squad certainly from our team is good. There's a healthy respect, and a healthy challenge within the group.
"We pick 11 but I make it clear to the lads who aren't in that, we still respect everything they are doing, and I think that was on show with a decent performance last week from some individuals up at Sunderland."
Despite his faith Dyche is still looking to add to his squad, which has so far only been boosted by Joey Barton, even if he is doing his business in a quieter fashion than some of his Premier League rivals.
"We try to work in the right manner for us," he added.
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"We try to do any business we're attempting to do as privately as we can, I think it's respectful to all parties. There are some things going on at the moment, when they're ready for the press then they'll come out.
"There are some calls being made. There are a few situations that have got a chance."
