Burnley have been dealt a major blow in their bid for Premier League survival with the news Dean Marney will miss the rest of the season after damaging his cruciate knee ligament.
The midfielder has been one of the stalwarts of Sean Dyche's team and will not be easy to replace.
There did not appear too much to worry about when he was substituted at half-time during Sunday's 2-2 draw with West Brom b ut scans have seen Burnley's worst fears realised.
A club statement read: "Burnley midfielder Dean Marney has been diagnosed with a cruciate ligament injury that will see him miss the remainder of the Barclays Premier League campaign.
"Marney picked up the injury during Sunday's 2-2 draw against West Bromwich Albion at Turf Moor and scans have since revealed the extent of the injury.
"The 31-year-old will now be seeking specialist advice this week and everyone at Burnley Football Club wishes him a speedy recovery."
It is cruel luck on Burnley, who lost defender Kevin Long to the same injury last month, while striker Sam Vokes missed the first part of the season as he recovered from a ruptured cruciate.
Source: PA
