Burnley and England goalkeeper Tom Heaton is set for a long spell on the sidelines after undergoing shoulder surgery, reports Sky Sports.
Heaton was forced off midway through Burnley’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend after landing awkwardly following a collision with team-mate Ben Mee.
Sean Dyche confirmed after the match Heaton had suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder and now the 31-year-old has undergone surgery and will be sidelined for a considerable period.
Heaton has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League in the last few months and his absence is a real blow for the Clarets.
Burnley now only have inexperienced duo Nick Pope and Adam Legzdins to pick from in goal, although Dyche’s side are reportedly weighing up a move for former Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard, who is a free agent.
Since the start of last season, no goalkeeper has made more saves in the Premier League than Heaton (149).