CLARETS captain Ben Mee has returned to full training but is not yet ready for a first team recall.

The defender has not featured for Burnley since scoring the winner against Crystal Palace in June, in what was his 300th league appearance for the club.

The 31-year-old has been sidelined by a problematic thigh strain he suffered in training, and although he is closing in on a comeback Monday night’s home game against Spurs will come too soon for the skipper.

“Ben Mee is getting better - he’s not there yet, but he’s back on the grass with the first team squad, so that’s good,” said manager Sean Dyche.

“He will need a bit of an extended period because he’s been out quite a long time, so we’ll have to look after that side of things.”

Right back Matt Lowton does, however, come back into contention after recovering from an ankle injury.

“Matt Lowton is back training, so that’s good. He’s making good progress, so he’ll be considered,” added Dyche, who has been without Jay Rodriguez, Ashley Barnes, James Tarkowski, Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Robbie Brady at various stages this season, while long-term casualty Jack Cork has yet to kick a ball.

“It is kind of one in one out at the moment, which is unfortunate, but the bigger picture, we are getting people fit.

“Jay Rod is back, Barnesy, Tarky they’re getting that match sharpness and fitness as well, Johann, Robbie Brady, they’re beginning to get back to us.

“Corky was always going to be a long-term situation, but he’s beginning to make progress, back running and easing back into top fitness.

“But he’s a bit of a way yet.

“Erik Pieters got through the game but he has a minor calf injury, so he’s a doubt. Certainly touch and go.”

Bailey Peacock-Farrell has not yet returned to training after suffering a hip injury while on international duty with Northern Ireland.

Meanwhile, right back Phil Bardsley continues to isolate after testing positive for coronavirus.

“It’s just going through the protocols now, retests etc,” said Dyche.

“He’s okay in himself, he’s not had a big hit or anything, which seemingly is the case with a lot of football cases, so I’m led to understand.”