BURNLEY will be without Aaron Lennon for Saturday's trip to Arsenal after the midfielder underwent an operation on his ankle.

But there is better news on Johann Berg Gudmundsson who is set to return for the Emirates Stadium clash.

Steven Defour is a doubt with a calf problem while Robbie Brady is expected to overcome a knock to feature.

On Lennon, Dyche said: "He’s had an operation. We keep getting close to getting everyone back but he has had a cartilage operation. He’s happy with it.

"Defour is touch and go. I don’t think we’ll make the judgement in Steven’s favour. Johann is back on the grass and Robbie Brady is back on the grass."

Burnley can also expect to welcome back Stephen Ward, who is back in full training, and Nick Pope in the new year.

The latter featured for the club's Under-23 side on Monday, playing 90 minutes in the win over Sheffield United.

He is expected to play again for Steve Stone's side when they return to action in January as he builds up his match fitness.

On Pope, Dyche said: "It is a bit early yet; he’s only had one game in the Under-23s. We’ll give him a bit more time. We’ll get him back to fully fit."