Dyche Explains Westwood Absence

Burnley boss Sean Dyche is hopeful Ashley Westwood will be fit to face Crystal Palace following his bout of illness.

The midfielder had enjoyed a 14-game run in the heart of the Clarets’ midfield but was forced to miss Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat away at Newcastle after falling ill in the build-up to the game.

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It meant Westwood could not help his side as their eight-match unbeaten run came to an end and Dyche admits it was a blow to his team.

As a result, he was whisked away to avoid his ailment spreading but the boss is confident the 28-year-old will be back fighting fit in time to take on the Eagles.

“At four o’clock in the afternoon he had been ill for the previous hour,” Dyche is quoted as saying by the club website. “He thought he could carry on but we had to make a decision.

“He’s a great professional and he would have done it if I’d asked him but that could also affect the group. We’ve had enough injuries and didn’t want to start an illness thing, so we got him off in a car and away from the building.

“He’s not in today, even though he feels fine, just to be sure. He’s done really well for us. He’s been very strong.”