Burnley have been dealt a major setback 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.
Marney, 31, has been one of the stalwarts of Sean Dyche's team and will not be easy to replace having featured in 20 of Burnley's 24 league games this season.
There did not appear too much to worry about when the midfielder was substituted at half-time during Sunday's 2-2 draw with West Brom, but scans have seen Burnley's worst fears realised.
NEWS: Dean Marney will miss the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury: http://t.co/UWqwAS83T5 pic.twitter.com/9VmnBPqT4O
- Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) February 10, 2015
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.
