All Whites striker Chris Wood has returned to the fray for Burnley, coming on for just over 20 minutes as the Clarets drew 1-1 with Sheffield United in the English Premier League.

Wood has had to wait longer than his team mates to return to action following the lockdown period after picking up an Achilles injury.

“Woody is doing well and is in front of the curve but we are being careful because we want him to be right,” Burnley manager Sean Dyche said.

Dyche has faced a selection headache during Wood’s absence as the Kiwi has been joined on the treatment table by a raft of other players.

He was able to name a full complement of substitutes for the first time since the restart as his side continued to find a way to achieve results in trying circumstances.

Wood was introduced with Burnley holding a one-goal lead after James Tarkowski struck just before half-time but the hosts couldn’t hold on as John Egan scored a late equaliser.

Nonetheless, Burnley are now ninth and are in the running to secure a place in the Europa League. They have won as many games this season as in any of their previous Premier League campaigns, equalling the number they managed when finishing seventh in 2017/18.

Prior to the lockdown, Wood played a key role in Burnley’s progress by scoring 11 goals – his most in a season for the club.

The 28-year-old will look to continue his comeback on Wednesday as Burnley travel to West Ham United for a mid-week clash before visiting champions Liverpool on the weekend.

Article added: Monday 06 July 2020