BURNLEY striker Ashley Barnes has returned to full training with the first team, but Ben Mee and Jack Cork could both miss the start of the season as their recovery continues.

Barnes has not featured since New Year’s Day, after suffering complications following hernia surgery.

But the forward is making good progress as the 2020/21 campaign approaches.

"We're getting injuries back, Ashley Barnes is back with us, training with the first team as normal, so that's pleasing,” said Burnley boss Sean Dyche.

"He's feeling good so far. It's early yet, he's fit as regards the science side of things, it's now about the football side of things, but he's showing good signs."

Cork needed surgery to repair an ankle injury in July after football restarted, while captain Mee has a thigh problem and neither have joined in with the first team so far in pre-season.

"Corky's going to be a little bit longer obviously, but making good progress,” Dyche added.

"Ben Mee still has a slight niggle in his thigh, so although he's out there and getting work done, he's still not with us yet.

"So they are the main three at the moment, the other lads who had had a few ups and downs, Johann (Berg Gudmundsson), Robbie (Brady), (Chris) Woody, they're all good at the moment.”

Indeed, Brady played throughout the Republic of Ireland’s 1-0 Nations League defeat at home to Finland.

“Robbie got 90 minutes (on Sunday) night,” Dyche added

“Johann didn't go away (on international duty with Iceland) and has had some training here, and a game.

"In house, that's favourable."