STEVEN Defour looks almost certain to miss the World Cup, but Sean Dyche said the midfielder is in 'good spirits' over his recovery from knee surgery.

There had been suggestions in Belgium that Defour, who was on 52 caps for his country, could yet recover in time to make the Red Devils' squad for Russia.

But Dyche said the 29-year-old wouldn't be fit in time to make Roberto Martinez's squad.

The Burnley boss also provided an update on Robbie Brady's own recovery, with the Republic of Ireland midfielder sidelined since a patellar tendon injury in December.

"Robbie and Steven are good, they're in good spirits," Dyche said of his two long-term injury victims.

"Robbie's workload is increasing now, so there's a literal recovery period to let everything heal, then an interim period and a strength period, and he's going into the strength period where he can increase his workload and the amount of power you put into it.

"Steven is really good, he's mixing his rehab with us and Belgium, with us in alignment.

"That's with physios at a National unit there, and they're really good.

"He was over the other week and feels great. He looks well, he's working hard.

"I don't think he'll make the World Cup, but he's going well and on track."