Burnley interim boss Mike Jackson has not given up hope that James Tarkowski will be fit for their game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.
Tarkowski was forced off last weekend as Burnley were beaten 3-1 by Aston Villa. He was able to do some light training on Friday.
“We’re still waiting on Tarky at this moment in time,” Jackson said. “He’s not been with the group but he’s been out doing some running. It’s about making the right decision at the right time for him and the rest of the group.”
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Mee has also resumed light training but he is not expected back before Thursday’s trip to Aston Villa at the earliest.
If Tarkowski misses out on Sunday, Burnley will start against Harry Kane and Son Heung-min with Kevin Long and Nathan Collins in central defence, a pair whose only experience playing together was the 43 minutes after Tarkowski’s exit last Saturday.
Jackson has been able to drag Burnley out of the relegation zone since replacing the sacked Sean Dyche last month, but injuries could now take their toll at a key moment.
“I think I said before the Southampton game (last month) it would be a struggle for me to a pick a team with what’s going on with the form of the players then, but I said to the group, ‘Trust me, there’ll be a time when you’ll be needed’,” Jackson said.
“I’ve seen this part of the season before. People have stepped in and done really well.
“Nathan has had some great experience from playing with Tarky. For me he’s above his years. He’s 20 but he’s been playing first-team football since he was 17, and Kevin has come in before and done well.
“If that’s the partnership that’s there, fine. These lads are here to play and I’ve got faith in what they’re doing.”
Jackson still carries the caretaker tag, but this week he was named Premier League manager of the month, having taken 10 points from a possible 12…
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