Sean Dyche has a couple of fitness concerns ahead of Burnley's visit to former club Watford on Saturday although he feels the injury situation is improving.

Johann Berg Gudmundsson is touch and go after missing Burnley's last two fixtures with a thigh injury while defensive pair Matt Lowton and Phil Bardsley are both carrying unspecified knocks.

Midfielder Steven Defour and defender Stephen Ward are in contention after featuring for the Under-23s earlier this week but goalkeeper Nick Pope will definitely miss out, as will the suspended Robbie Brady.

Dyche, whose side have won their last four games in all competitions, said: "We're waiting on Johan. He is getting better but I think it will be a judgement - between him, the physios and ourselves (on Friday).

"Bardo has still got a bit of a knock - he managed to get through last week - as has Matt Lowton. We're hopeful on possibly both, certainly we're very hopeful on one being able to be fit.

"Steven got 75 minutes in an Under-23 game so that means he's continuing to get back on himself and right. Wardy the same.

"Popey's had another full game, not there yet but looking well and enjoying his work in training, so he's kind of at the end of his pre-season, if you like. We'll keep monitoring that. Robbie's obviously suspended.

"We're still stretched, we're still looking to get back to a full squad, it's been difficult this season but that's what we're looking to achieve.

"If it can't happen this weekend then over the next couple of weeks."