Clarets dealt major Hannibal injury blow

Burnley have been dealt another major injury blow with the news that Hannibal could be out for three to four months.

The midfielder has today gone under the knife on a hamstring injury and is now expected to remain sidelined until Christmas, even not longer.

It comes after the former Manchester United man was absent for Burnley’s 1-1 draw at Wrexham tonight, having left the Turf Moor pitch clutching his hamstring with ice following the weekend’s game against Bristol City.

“Hannibal had his surgery today, so it will be at least three to four months that he will be out,” Hayen confirmed.

It’s understood Burnley will now explore the possibility of withdrawing Hannibal from their 25-man squad list.

He joins a long list of absentees that includes Jordan Beyer, Bashir Humphreys, Josh Cullen, Enock Agyei, Jaydon Banel, Dastan Satpayev and Ashley Barnes.

Jacob Bruun Larsen was also absent for tonight’s game in North Wales, although Hayen isn’t overly concerned with the Dane’s issue.

“This will be quite okay,” he said. “I think it's under his heel that he feels some pain.

“He tried yesterday [Monday in training], but I don't think it will be a long injury.

“But again, it's an injury, another injury, and again this is the situation we're in and it's not an excuse, it's a reason.”

Hayen also revealed Anel Ahmedhodzic was due to start against Wrexham, but had to withdraw from the starting line-up through illness.

“Anel was sick,” the Clarets boss added. “He was on the bench, but actually he started, but he was sick, so everything comes together and that's very unfortunate.”

But on a more positive note, Hayen is hopeful of having Cullen, Banel and Satpayev back fighting fit after the upcoming three-week international break. The Clarets play Swansea City and Derby County beforehand.