Sean Dyche has confirmed that Danny Drinkwater is returning to Chelsea at the end of his loan spell at Turf Moor.
The midfielder’s temporary stay expires next week, and he is now expected to look for first-team opportunities elsewhere after featuring just twice during his time with the Clarets.
Drinkwater – a Premier League winner from his days with Leicester City – joined the Clarets just before the start of the season.
But having suffered an ankle injury in an off-the-pitch incident at the end of August, the 29-year-old has been restricted to just one Premier League appearance since his recovery to go with the Carabao Cup start he made prior to his lay-off.