BURNLEY striker Ashley Barnes is to have surgery on a hernia problem on Friday.

The Clarets frontman has been troubled by a groin issue in recent weeks and having sought the opinion of two specialists he will now go under the knife.

No timeframe has been given for his return to action.

“Hopefully he will have a smooth recovery,” boss Sean Dyche told the club.

“You don’t like losing good players but, equally, it allows other players to come in and perform and that’s what we’ll be looking for them to do.”

Barnes has scored six Premier League goals so far this season and missed the 3-0 defeat at Chelsea last time out.

Jay Rodriguez was also absent at Stamford Bridge but is back in training after illness and in line to face Leicester City at Turf Moor on Sunday.

Chris Wood is also hoping face his former club despite suffering a broken nose in West London.