ASHLEY Westwood is expected to be fit for Burnley's game with Crystal Palace on Saturday having recovered from illness.

The Clarets midfielder missed the midweek defeat to Newcastle United with a bug and although he sat out training on Thursday that move was simply a precaution and he is likely to return to the side for the visit of the Eagles.

The 28-year-old has been in impressive form of late and was prepared to play through illness at St James' Park but boss Sean Dyche was keen to ensure the sickness did not spread through the camp.

“At four o’clock in the afternoon (on Tuesday) he had been ill for the previous hour,” said Dyche.

“He thought he could carry on but we had to make a decision.

“He’s a great professional and he would have done it if I’d asked him but that could also affect the group.

“We’ve had enough injuries and didn’t want to start an illness thing, so we got him off in a car and away from the building.

“He’s not in (on Thursday), even though he feels fine, just to be sure.

"He’s done really well for us. He’s been very strong.”

Steven Defour remains absent with the midfielder set to see a second specialist over his troublesome calf injury.

Aaron Lennon has returned to light training on the grass but is still a few weeks away from returning while Jon Walters remains a long-term absentee.