Burnley have suffered a major blow as goalkeeper Nick Pope has suffered an injury which will rule him out of action for up to six months, according to a report published by The Sun.
Pope suffered a shoulder injury while in action for the Clarets during a Europa League game against Scottish club Aberdeen on Thursday.
It is feared that surgery may be needed and this could keep the shot-stopper out of action till at least early 2019.
Pope was one of the stars for Sean Dyche’s men last term who surpassed expectations and finished in an impressive 7th position.
The 26-year-old impressively made 113 saves and kept 11 clean sheets in the top-flight last term.
His form earned him a call-up to the England team and he was part of Gareth Southgate’s 23-man World Cup squad which played in the World Cup in Russia.
This is not a disaster for the Clarets however.
While Pope’s absence is a blow, Tom Heaton will now take up the first-choice position for the time being.
Heaton has proved himself in the past to be an apt keeper at the highest level.
Ironically, Pope was handed his first-team break last season when Heaton suffered a similar injury.
This will also present Heaton with an opportunity to reclaim his place in the England set-up.
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