BURNLEY'S trip to West Ham this weekend has come too soon for Tom Heaton and Scott Arfield.

Club captain Heaton is still on the comeback trail from shoulder surgery but he isn't yet ready to lay down a challenge for Nick Pope's first team place, while Arfield is still out with a calf injury.

Long-term absentees Steven Defour, Robbie Brady and Jon Walters are also out but other than that Dyche has a full squad to choose from.

With no game for 21 days after the trip to the London Stadium Heaton could return after the break.

"It’s possible. He’s a seasoned professional and knows his own body," Dyche said.

"He’ll know when he is right, not just me. It’s important we have open dialogue, and we do. And of course with (goalkeeping coach) Billy Mercer. But he is going along nicely.

"It's the range of his arm, range of movements and the last details to get himself where he wants to be."

Burnley are getting bodies back after a string on injuries, with James Tarkowski and Chris Wood returning last week, and Dyche added: "It’s pleasing signs. We have missed some of the players.

"It does give others the chance to play, so that’s good as we’ve got more experience into Charlie Taylor and Kevin Long in particular.

"When some players come back fit it gives you a stronger group and that depth and more of that competitive element on a daily basis. Whether it’s securing your shirt for the next one because you’re in the team or if you’re on that knife edge of being in the side. I think that’s a great marker.

"Everyone is as they were, a couple of knows and aches and pains but nothing too serious. Hopefully everyone comes through Friday."