BURNLEY striker Ashley Barnes is likely to miss the majority of next season after suffering a cruciate knee injury.

Scans earlier today revealed the Clarets striker, 25, suffered anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament damage during the 1-0 victory over Aston Villa on the final day of the Premier League season.

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Barnes, who will undergo an operation next week, is the fourth Burnley player to suffer a cruciate knee injury in just 14 months, following striker Sam Vokes, defender Kevin Long and, most recently, central midfielder Dean Marney.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche said: “To say this is bad luck is an understatement.

“They have been innocuous incidents that have ended up with four serious injuries and it’s an incredible misfortune.

“Obviously it’s a big blow and our thoughts are with Ashley, but the irony is that our ‘preventable’ soft tissue injuries have improved year-on-year.

“To then have four cruciate injuries, you just can’t believe it.

“However, Ashley will be looked after. He will undergo surgery next week and we know what a tough lad he is and he will be back on the road to recovery as soon as possible.”

Dyche added: “The positive side is that we are well rehearsed now in this type of injury and Ashley has Dean (Marney) and Kevin (Long) just in front of him and they all have Sam (Vokes) to look to as someone who has recovered and is back playing again.”

Former Brighton and Hove Albion striker Barnes scored five goals in his debut season in the Premier League, but was unable to help the Clarets stave off relegation.