Premier League newcomers Burnley have been dealt an injury blow with the news that striker Martin Paterson requires surgery on his knee injury. This means that he will be out for an unknown amount of time after being stretchered off in the Carling Cup defeat to Barnsley on Tuesday.

Burnley’s Martin Paterson

Brian Jensen was also withdrawn through injury in the same game, but it has since been revealed that he was only suffering with a dead leg. The news is far less encouraging for Paterson though who ‘tweaked a cartilage’ in his knee, according to Owen Coyle.

The Burnley boss went on to say that it will become a lot clearer how long he will be sidelined for after the surgery. There is a distinct possibility that he will be out of action for a number of months though and this would be a serious blow for everyone at Turf Moor.

Paterson was the club’s top scorer last season with 19 goals and was one of the main reasons they managed to win promotion to the Premier  League. He has been a revelation since signing from Scunthorpe in the summer of 2007 and even though he has failed to score this season, he has still been an influential part of Burnley’s excellent start to the campaign.

The striker joins fellow first-team regular Chris McCann – who is out for three months with a similar problem - on the sidelines as Burnley look to build on the three wins they have already achieved. Coyle’s men take on Birmingham at Turf Moor this weekend and they will be hoping that new signing David Nugent – who managed two goals last Saturday – can continue to make a positive impression and help improve on their Premiership football betting odds.

Then, everyone will be hoping for good news as Paterson starts his recovery from knee surgery. Burnley need all the players they can get as they continue their assault on the top flight.

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