BURNLEY boss Sean Dyche declared Burnley are almost back to full strength, with Robbie Brady likely to return to end an almost 11-month injury nightmare.

There are question marks over the availability of Aaron Lennon though, after he was struck down by a bug.

But Dyche says a fit-again Brady is a big boost for the club.

The Republic of Ireland international was sidelined by a patellar knee tendon injury sustained at Leicester City last December, and has since overcome a couple of minor setbacks following his return for pre-season - coming through two 90-minute games, one behind closed doors and another for Burnley’s Under 23s.

And manager Dyche said: “He’s definitely in contention. He’s feeling good, he’s had two 90s, and getting those in is a big thing, not just physically, but emotionally as well, how you feel, and he feels good.

“He’s enjoyed a week’s training with the boys as well, and that extra day helps as well, but he’s definitely back in contention.

“It’s like with Steven (Defour), they’ve been out a while, it’s not an actual new signing, but they add that freshness, players coming back often have that excitement again.

“Being injured is very difficult for players, I had a few long-term injuries when I was playing, and when you come out of that period, you get that high, that elation of training every day, playing, so we look forward to those two really getting back to full fitness, which they’re in the process of doing.”

There has been progress, too, for Ben Gibson in his recovery from a hernia operation.

“Ben Gibson came through a game, as did Robbie,” Dyche continued.

“Ben has been out a little bit now, very fit fella, but he’ll probably play again next week in a reserve game, just to ensure he’s really fit and over his injuries. So it’s the closest so far, without tempting fate, we’ve been to a more or less full squad.”

“Stephen Ward is the only one, he had a knee flushed out, so he’ll be a bit of time yet.”

However, Dyche said Lennon would be assessed by the club doctor before he decided on his starting XI to face Chelsea at Turf Moor.

“Aaron Lennon has had a bit of illness this week,” he explained. “The doctor has gone to see Azza, a lot of these bugs are around and he’s had it for a couple of days, so he’s gone to check it’s nothing more sinister than a bug, so we’ll wait and see how he’s feeling.”