Burnley manager Sean Dyche has revealed that defender Stephen Ward is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a hairline fracture in his foot.

The Irishman suffered the injury on Tuesday during the Clarets' 1-1 draw at home to Newcastle United in the Premier League.

It is unclear how long the 29-year-old will be out of action for, but he is expected to be missing until at least the start of 2015.

Sean Dyche confirms that Stephen Ward has a hairline fracture in his foot that will require a spell on the sidelines.

— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) December 6, 2014

Burnley suffered their seventh defeat of the season on Saturday with a 2-0 loss at fellow strugglers Queens Park Rangers.