STEVEN Defour has picked up a minor calf injury during Burnley's training camp in Cork.

The Belgium international returned to training at the start of pre-season as he recovers from knee surgery in January, but he has suffered a minor knock while over in Ireland and will miss the friendly with Cork City on Friday night.

Fellow long-term injury victim Robbie Brady has completed his first full session in Cork as he looks to return to full fitness following a serious knee injury picked up in December.

"Steven has got a minor calf so we’re being protective of him, which often happens when you’ve been out for a longer period," said Clarets boss Sean Dyche.

"Robbie is just easing his way back into the football side of things, he’s had his first football session with the players this week.

"He did two thirds of the work (on gaffer's day on Wednesday) which is a really tough day, that was by design, not because he’s had any injury problems, to make sure we’re building him up appropriately. He’s looking good at the moment."

While both Brady and Defour are on the comeback trail, they face a race against time to be ready to feature in Burnley's Europa League second qualifying round tie with Aberdeen, with the first leg at Pittodrie on Thursday, July 26 and the return at Turf Moor a week later.

"We’ve got to be careful, they’ve both been out a long time," Dyche said.

"We’re hoping Steven’s calf settles down, but it’s often you get a second injury on the back of a first injury.

"Then really it’s about getting into true fitness. We’re certainly not going to be pushing them into those games.

"Not because we don’t want them fit but because we need to make sure they’re fully fit."