Burnley boss Sean Dyche hopeful he will have a fully-fit squad for the start of next season

The start date for the 2020/21 has been announced, with the long-mooted date of September 12th rubber-stamped.

Dyche has lost a number of players since the restart of this season, with skipper Ben Mee (thigh), Matt Lowton (foot), Jack Cork (ankle) and Charlie Taylor (hamstring) all suffering injuries in this batch of nine games, while Ashley Barnes has been out since New Year’s Day after hernia surgery.

Cork is probably the one Dyche is most concerned about, in terms of return date after surgery, but he said: “We are hopeful, but we don't know the exact date still which would be helpful to plan and look at where these players are injury wise.

"The only one who has got a slightly longer one is Corky having had ankle surgery which went very well but it will take a bit of time for that to settle.

"We will be as cautious as we can to make sure that the players who are out, we are not rushing them or forcing them back in. We want them to be as right as possible and available."