Scott Parker hints at double blow for Liverpool as Burnley plots shock win

The Clarets are hoping to end their 12-match winless run in the Premier League when they take on Liverpool, and Parker's numbers have been significantly improved in the last few weeks

Scott Parker gave a detailed Burnley team news update in Thursday's press conference ahead of the game against Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Scott Parker has revealed Joe Worrall and Kyle Foster are expected to be available for Burnley’s Premier League trip to Liverpool on Saturday.

The Clarets make the short journey to Merseyside this weekend on the back of last weekend’s FA Cup victory over Millwall, but Parker’s side hasn’t tasted success in the Premier League since October. That’s 12 without a win now for Burnley, although it has drawn three of the last five.

But the chances of taking something from Anfield this weekend have been boosted by Worrall and Foster’s potential returns. The former has missed the last four games with a muscle issue, while Foster sat out the Millwall win due to illness.

He is one of three players who have recently returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, along with Axel Tuanzebe and Hannibal, and Parker’s numbers have been significantly increased in the last few weeks.

“It's been pleasing to get the lads back - they've brought a freshness into the group,” the former England international said ahead of the match.

“Fresh eyes, fresh energy - which can only be of benefit. They loved their time with their respective countries, but they return fully focused on the battle that lies ahead for us now.

Mohamed Salah scoring the only goal of the game, in injury-time, when the sides last met in September(Image: Getty Images)

“Joe [Worrall] is in contention. He's close now. He's been on the grass and we'll make a decision on him tomorrow before we travel.

“Lyle [Foster] is feeling a bit better after illness. He's probably not quite 100 percent, but we'll see how he is tomorrow and make a call on his availability thereafter. Zian [Flemming] won't make it. He's a little bit behind, but could be back for the next game.”

Burnley is also set to be without Josh Cullen, Connor Roberts, Zeki Amdouni and Jordan Beyer, all of whom are dealing with long-term problems.

Meanwhile, Parker could be tempted to hand the experienced Ashley Barnes a rare start against Liverpool.

The striker, who infamously scored the winning goal in the Clarets’ victory at Anfield in January 2021, has played just nine minutes in the Premier League this season, but netted a brace against Millwall last week.

“Ash is in contention,” said Parker. “I was really pleased with the impact he made last weekend, coming in and scoring a couple of goals.

“As always, everyone is fighting for places here. We want competition for places and Ash certainly staked a claim with his performance against Millwall.

“It wasn't an easy game, FA Cup games never are, but Ash and the team applied themselves really well - he was well deserving of the two goals on the day.”