Burnley’s Defour doubtful for World Cup due to knee injury

Matt Stead

Burnley midfielder Steven Defour is facing at least two months on the sidelines after scans revealed he needs surgery on a knee injury.

The 29-year-old Belgian was ruled out of Wednesday night’s Premier League trip to Newcastle and he will now undergo an operation to repair cartilage damage.

A statement on the club’s official website, burnleyfootballclub.com, said: “Steven Defour has been ruled out for at least two months with a knee injury, manager Sean Dyche has confirmed.

“Scans showed the Clarets’ midfielder must undergo surgery to repair cartilage damage. Defour, 29, had been an ever-present for Burnley in the Premier League this season.

“But he now faces an enforced spell on the sidelines, with Ashley Westwood getting a first league start of the campaign at Newcastle United tonight.”

Defour joined the club in an £8million switch from Anderlecht during the summer of 2016 and has made 49 appearances to date.