STEPHEN Ward is doubtful for Burnley's trip to Huddersfield this weekend but striker Chris Wood could make his return.

Ward hasn't featured since limping out of the win over Stoke with a knee injury and he's unlikely to be back either this weekend or against Liverpool on New Year's Day.

Wood suffered an injury in the defeat to Tottenham just before Christmas and missed the 2-2 draw at Manchester United on Boxing Day, but the New Zealand international striker isn't far off a return, with Dyche saying he was 'touch and go' for the trip to the John Smith's Stadium.

On his other absentees, Dyche said: "Wardy is settling down well. Tarky, despite his suspension, his hand settling down well. He's had a minor operation on that and some pins put in. The specialist is happy with that.

“(Dean) Marney is back and got involved the other day, Jon Walters got involved, so they're right at the end.

“Robbie (Brady) is longer term but his operation went well and he's recovering. Tom (Heaton) is making good progress, he's on course. No timescales but he's getting stronger all the time."