Scott Parker reacts as Burnley confirm major injury setback for Josh Cullen
Burnley skipper Josh Cullen is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ACL injury, handing Scott Parker a major blow.
The midfielder underwent scans on Monday after being forced off during Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Everton.
It was immediately clear the setback was a serious one, with Cullen instantly signalling to the bench to be taken off.
Scans confirmed the 29-year-old has sustained an ACL injury and he will now require surgery.
Not only is it a major blow for Burnley amid their relegation dogfight, it’s also a big setback for the Republic of Ireland who face the World Cup qualifiers in March.
Speaking after tonight’s 3-1 defeat to Newcastle United, Parker revealed the injury will keep Cullen out of action for the majority of 2026.
"ACLs are normally around about nine months, so that's where probably Josh will be,” he said.
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The Burnley Express also asked the Clarets boss whether this news will force the club into bringing in a midfielder during the upcoming January transfer window.
“Yeah, it may do,” Parker replied. “It's something we certainly probably need to look at because Josh is a huge loss to us.
"It’s not only what he gives us on the pitch, what we've seen throughout this year – he’s probably one of our best performers – but to lose him on the pitch as well as off it, and what he gives us is a big loss.
"In saying that, I thought the boys came in today – Tino [Florentino Luis] and Lesley [Ugochukwu] were very good.
“But we'll look at it now over the coming weeks with the window open and see where we may need to strengthen in certain areas.”
Burnley’s squad is now being stretched to its limits, with Jordan Beyer, Joe Worrall, Connor Roberts, Zeki Amdouni and Zian Flemming all sidelined.
Maxime Esteve, meanwhile, was forced off after 15 minutes against Newcastle, suffering a recurrence of the injury that kept him out of Burnley’s last two games.
Axel Tuanzebe, Hannibal and Lyle Foster are all away at the African Cup of Nations too.
Your next Burnley FC read: Forgotten Burnley man linked with January exit as transfer window looms