Sam Vokes nearing fitness

The 25-year-old has been out of action since the end of March, when he ruptured his anterior cruciate knee ligament.

But, after returning to light training, Vokes is closing in on some game time behind closed doors, with a decision set to be made over the week.

Boss Sean Dyche said yesterday: “Vokesy is getting fitter and fitter - although he’s not there yet.

“Every day enhances Vokesy’s progress, and we are down to the final percentages now before he is actively playing games.

“But it’s not just a case of one game and then he is fit, he will need a number of games to step up his game time.

“We will be talking about that with the medical team over the next week, although he has to also feel well and right to go to the next level.”

Meanwhile, Dyche is hoping to have midfielders Nathaniel Chalobah and Scott Arfield available for the trip to Stoke City tomorrow.

Chalobah came off in the first half of England Under 21s’ 3-2 defeat in Brest against France on Monday night, while ever-present Arfield picked up a knock in training earlier this week.

Dyche said: “Nathaniel was in on Wednesday and hopefully that is nothing too serious, we’re hopeful he’ll be okay, although we’ll find out more today (Thursday) and tomorrow.

“And Scott Arfield also picked up a minor knock on Tuesday, and hopefully he will be okay.

“Matty Taylor will be a number of weeks yet though.”