SAM Vokes’ season is over after the striker was diagnosed with a cruciate knee ligament injury.

The Clarets’ second top scorer went off in the eighth minute of the weekend defeat to Leicester City after getting his studs caught in the turf, causing the damage to his left knee.

Vokes was withdrawn immediately and left the ground on crutches after the game.

A scan yesterday revealed the extent of the injury, bringing to an end a stunning 21-goal campaign for the previous ever-present.

The Wales international, who was rewarded for his efforts with a new deal earlier this season, will now be seeking specialist advice after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche said: “Sam has had a great season and I am sure you will join us all in supporting him during his recovery.

“As ever, our team mentality remains focused and this represents another opportunity for someone to come and make a continued contribution in the closing weeks of the season.”

It is unknown how long Vokes will be sidelined for with the best outcome a six-month lay-off although it can take up to a year to recover from anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott suffered exactly the same injury in his left knee earlier this season and has been ruled out for six months.

The news leaves Burnley down to one recognised striker in Ashley Barnes, with top scorer Danny Ings recovering from an ankle injury he suffered against Birmingham City last month, and following the closure of the emergency loan window on Thursday.

It is likely to be a further week before Championship player of the year Ings can be considered for selection, with the striker unlikely to feature at Watford this weekend.

Midfielder Dean Marney will also miss that trip as he serves the final match of his two game ban for 10 accumulated bookings.

But Kieran Trippier could return following two weeks out with a hamstring injury Of Trippier and Ings Burnley manager Sean Dyche said: “We’ll see how the week goes, we can’t guarantee that but they’re on the right track.

“Tripps is going along nicely, Ingsy should start moving more freely again this week, but obviously he’ll be a bit longer.

“Marns has just got to see out his next game and then he’ll be ready for selection again.”