DEAN Marney has undergone surgery on his second cruciate knee ligament injury in two years and is beginning his rehabilitation this week.

The 33-year-old went under the knife on Thursday after suffering the injury in the 2-1 defeat at Arsenal on January 22.

Clarets chief Sean Dyche said the surgery had been successful and while he couldn't put a timescale on his recovery he expects it to be between nine months and a year.

"Dean Marney has had his operation on Thursday, so it’s his first day back for recovery today (Friday)," said Dyche.

"I believe that went well from what I'm told through our medical department.

"It’s a long term injury. You don’t put timescales on that one. There’s a window of expectation of nine months to a year.

"It’s fortunate in a sense that he’s been through it before and he understands it all and has had a good surgeon, so that helps."

Hamstring victim Steven Defour remains absent for the visit of Chelsea on Sunday, but Dyche said Kevin Long was back training with the first team, but was short of match fitness.

"Steven Defour is still getting treatment on hamstring, he won’t be ready for weekend but making good progress," said Dyche.

"Kevin Long is recovering minor surgery on knee and he’s active with the team now, so that’s good. He needs some game time but he’s been training this week with the side so that’s another good sign."

Dyche added new signings Robbie Brady and Ashley Westwood were continuing to settle into the squad;.

"They're getting used to the group more than anything," he said. "They know about the Premier League and they're experienced enough to know about football in general.

"It’s getting used to the players around them but they’ve done well with that this week, we’ve got a very open group here as everyone knows, players adapt pretty quickly."