Burnley vs Sheffield Wed. preview - Midfielder Joey Barton is not ready to make Burnley debut, says boss Sean Dyche

Posted Friday, September 11, 2015 by PA

Joey Barton is still not ready to make his Burnley debut against Sheffield Wednesday at Turf Moor.

The midfielder moved to the Clarets on a free contract at the end of last month but after not taking part in a pre-season, boss Sean Dyche believes he is still another couple of weeks away from being in condition to play.

One Clarets signing who could make his debut is full-back Matt Lowton as he is now considered fully over a shin problem he picked up in pre-season.

Lukas Jutkiewicz tore his cruciate ligament last time out and joins Dean Marney, Kevin Long and Ashley Barnes, who all have the same problem, on the sidelines, along with Jason Gilchrist (ankle), Daniel Lafferty (collarbone) and Fredrik Ulvestad (ankle).

Sheffield Wednesday trio Daniel Pudil, Fernando Forestieri and Barry Bannan could all make their debuts and another recent signing, Michael Turner, is hoping for his first start.

Defender Pudil and striker Forestieri, both signed from Watford, and midfielder Bannan, who arrived from Crystal Palace, give head coach Carlos Carvalhal plenty of options.

Skipper Glenn Loovens, who has missed the last three games due to an ankle/foot injury, and goalkeeper Kieren Westwood are hoping to return to action.

Westwood is expected to be fit despite taking a knock in training this week to a bruised kidney, which has kept him out of the last four matches. Midfielder Sam Hutchinson (knee) is expected to be in contention.