Source: Team_Talk
Defensive woes mount for Burnley
The Clarets manager was furious after captain Steven Caldwell sustained a groin injury during Scotland's 4-0 World Cup qualifier defeat against Norway in Oslo on Wednesday night.
Caldwell looks certain to miss Saturday's opening-day match at Stoke and his loss will be keenly felt as Michael Duff is already out injured and new recruit David Edgar will be missing through suspension.
Reading centre-back Andre Bikey is understood to be close to completing a £2.8million switch to Turf Moor, but the Cameroon international would be ineligible to face Stoke as he is currently suspended.
Coyle said: "Steven Caldwell has got very little chance of playing on Saturday, and whoever thought this was the right time for an international fixture to be played - right before the start of the season - is beyond me.
"But it has happened and we just have to deal with it accordingly.
"It has not helped by David Edgar being suspended and Michael Duff being injured.
"We're short in that area and we'll just have to wait and see what happens in the next couple of days.
"Steven Caldwell has been terrific since I came here and if he doesn't make it he will be a big loss."
Coyle is remaining guarded about the prospect of signing Bikey, who was handed a five-match ban after being sent off against Burnley at Turf Moor in last season's play-off semi-final first leg.
Coyle said: "There are a number of players out there who I believe could enhance the squad. Time will tell if the aforementioned player is one of them."
Reading on Thursday confirmed they have received a firm offer for the 24-year-old former Lokomotiv Moscow defender.
