Pato - the news is not good

However, the exploratory operation has detected a tear in the cartilage and that will now rule out the striker for around three months, becoming the second Burnley player this week to suffer a long term injury with Chris McCann having damaged his medial ligament on Saturday.

Paterson, like McCann, has been an ever present in the league team this season. Other than the Carling Cup game at Hartlepool last month he has started every game since coming back into the side for the home game against Sheffield United last season.

Manager Owen Coyle does have options for Saturday. He could bring in David Nugent for his first Burnley start or alternatively Chris Eagles could come in with Steven Fletcher reverting to the role in the centre he occupied at Stoke on the opening day.

For Pato, and McCann, it could be close to the New Year before we see them in action again.