Vincent Kompany issues double Burnley injury update after Ipswich Town draw | OneFootball

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany says the injuries to wingers Manuel Benson and Johann Berg Gudmundsson are not serious and he expects both to return soon.

The pair missed Saturday’s game against Ipswich Town in which the Clarets were held to a 0-0 draw by the League One promotion chasers at Portman Road in the FA Cup fourth round.

Gudmundsson has been sidelined for the previous two games with a knock sustained in training, while Benson was forced off in the victory against West Bromwich Albion last Friday with an ankle injury, leading to fears over a potentially long lay-off.

Benson’s absence would be a particular blow for the Clarets as he has more goal involvements than any other player with nine goals and four assists, while Gudmundsson has also proven to be a useful asset with two goals and four assists in his limited minutes.

Both are expected to miss next weekend’s trip to face play-off contenders Norwich City at Carrow Road, but Kompany was optimistic they would return in the not-too-distant future.

Providing an update on how much longer the Burnley duo might be out for, Kompany told Lancs Live: “Relatively short term we hope. “

It is good news and we expected a much worse diagnosis. They will have to complete everything before they get back to playing but it won’t be too long.”

The Clarets have won their last eight league games and currently sit top of the Championship, five points clear of second-placed Sheffield United and 17 points clear of third-placed Middlesbrough.

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The verdict

This is good news for Burnley.

Both players have been important for the Clarets in their promotion push this season and any prolonged absence would have been a blow.

Thankfully for Kompany, he has excellent strength in depth in the wide areas, with Anass Zaroury, Nathan Tella and Darko Churlinov all representing quality options.

The signings of Lyle Foster and Michael Obafemi have further strengthened the Clarets’ attack and the fit-again Scott Twine is also forcing himself into contention after his winner against the Baggies.

With that in mind, Kompany has plenty of alternatives available while Gudmundsson and Benson are sidelined as the Clarets look to continue their push for what seems an incredibly inevitable promotion.