Nicky Hayen addresses Marcus Edwards’ return to Burnley’s squad list

Nicky Hayen has provided a cryptic response to why Marcus Edwards was initially left out of Burnley’s 25-man squad list.

The right winger was surprisingly thrown straight back into the starting line-up on Saturday for Burnley’s 1-1 draw against Derby County.

Just a week or so earlier, the 27-year-old had been told he’s free to leave Turf Moor should an opportunity arise for him to move elsewhere.

“Marcus actually knows the reason and that's not up to me to tell,” Hayen said, when asked about Edwards’ return.

“But we also had a conversation that there was still one spot available and how he shows a reaction - and he actually did quite well the last few weeks.

“So he got the spot and that's why he played again.”

When asked if there had been any issues behind the scenes, Hayen added: “No, not at all. It was something in sports terms, but that's up to him, he knows the reason.”

While Edwards has been re-registered, it’s understood Hannibal has been taken out of Burnley’s squad list, meaning one free spot is still available.

The midfielder is expected to miss three to four months with a hamstring injury, meaning he won’t be available until January in any case.

Ben Amos, Jordan Beyer, Bashir Humphreys, Shurandy Sambo, Mike Tresor, Ashley Barnes and Michael Obafemi have also been left out of Burnley’s squad list.

It’s understood Amos is injured, alongside Beyer, Humphreys and Barnes, while Obafemi had a recent move break down after also picking up a problem.

If the Clarets decide against drafting Sambo or Tresor back into their squad, they could still fill the last remaining spot with a free agent.

Despite Hayen last week claiming it was “unlikely” Burnley will add another free agent, having already acquired Jamie Vardy, it’s understood the Clarets are still welcoming players to train with them.