BEN Gibson is going to be out a few weeks after undergoing a hernia operation.

The Clarets defender saw a specialist last week and has since going under the knife, although Sean Dyche expects him to be out for weeks rather than month.

Gibson, a £15million summer signing from Middlesbrough, picked up the injury during the 3-1 defeat to Olympiakos in Athens, a game in which he was controversially sent-off.

Although the 25-year-old battled on for a couple of weeks, the decision was made to get the injury treated.

"He’s had a minor operation, it was a minor hernia operation," Dyche said.

"The specialist says things are pretty simplistic. He felt it against Olympiakos. This early in the season, you can’t carry it."

Steven Defour and Robbie Brady are continuing their return to match fitness with a behind-closed-doors game at the Barnfield Training Centre today (Thursday).

On Defour, who played 60 minutes for the Under-23s on Monday, Dyche said: "He’s going well. He won’t be involved yet but he’s getting closer.

"Him and Robbie are playing an in-house game today. Steven in a good place and Robbie's not far behind."

On whether the pair had been missed, Dyche added: "I think the squad we’ve got is good in all areas but you want players who can add to that group of course.

"It’s not just the performance levels, it’s the competitive element. There’s a mixture of reasons why Steven and Robbie add to your group."