BURNLEY boss Sean Dyche admits it's been a 'strange year' for the amount of soft tissue injuries the squad has had.

Dyche thinks Aaron Lennon has a chance to play again this season after having knee surgery on the injury he picked up in December.

Peter Crouch is definitely out of tomorrow's match and Phil Bardsley is 'touch and go.'

"He's touch and go, they were messing around playing head tennis, and he caught the edge of the table, where it was quite sharp," said Dyche.

"Unfortunately he cut his leg quite badly, so he's touch and go. We'll make a decision probably tomorrow on him."

"Crouchy's not yet available obviously, Steven Defour is making a good return, I spoke to him the other day, he's in good shape and feeling better. Not ready obviously for the end of the season, but better.

"Aaron Lennon is coming along well and feeling good about himself and his injury. He's in a good place.

"There are a lot of challenges on that side of things, but the group keep pulling together and keep realigning and doing what they need to do."

Lennon is back out on the grass and running strongly, Dyche thinks he is the closest to a return.

"He has a chance, depending on the next week, 10 days, he's not trained with us, but he's out there running, and usually that's a strong sign.

"He's properly running, not just trotting around in your running shoes, he's working now, and we hope to not have to rush him, but it's important we get more people fit, for their welfare as well don't forget."