Burnley midfielder Steven Defour has revealed that he is ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation from knee surgery and hopes to be fit for pre-season.
The Belgium international has been sidelined since January 20, with scans having shown that he needed an operation to repair cartilage damage.
Burnley have nonetheless continued to impress in Defour's absence and will be playing in the Europa League next season thanks to a seventh-place finish in the Premier League this term.
"It's difficult to see the team play because you want to be on the pitch," the 30-year-old told the official Clarets website. "But I'm doing very well. I'm ahead of schedule and I hope to be fit for pre-season.
"I think [Europa League qualification] is an amazing achievement for the whole club. I think we have to continue like we have done. We have always improved and I hope we can improve next year. It will be nice to show Europe what Burnley is all about and I hope we can get into the group stage."
Defour has made 49 appearances for Burnley since his 2016 move from Anderlecht.
Giuseppe Labellarte
