BURNLEY boss Sean Dyche expects to have Robbie Brady and Johann Berg Gudmundsson available for the Boxing Day visit of Everton but Steven Defour looks set to miss out.

All three were absent for the defeat at Arsenal last time out as the Clarets switched to a 5-3-2 formation.

They also used five at the back in the loss to Spurs earlier this month and could retain the shape for a third straight game against Marco Silva’s men.

But the return of Brady and Gudmunddson provides Dyche with options.

“The two wide men went down on Friday morning, they were fine, we thought they were going to be fine, but with the amount of games over this little period, we just couldn’t risk them,” Dyche said of the duo.

“And that led to a change of shape (at Arsenal) but that change worked, we still delivered a performance.

“It’s just unfortunate that when we get just about to full fitness we get injuries.

“I think so, that was the idea of calling it, to give them a better chance for Boxing Day.

“Steven? Possibly. I think the other two more so.”

Aaron Lennon, Stephen Ward and Nick Pope remain longer-term absentees for the Clarets.