Burnley manager Sean Dyche has admitted striker Andre Gray can't expect an instant return to the Clarets starting lineup for their trip to Old Trafford following the completion of his four-match ban, according to theBurnley Express.
Dyche's side travel to face Manchester United on Saturday afternoon, with Gray returning to action after being suspended for homophobic tweets he made fouryears ago.
During the 25-year-old's absence, Burnley have won two of the four fixtures, including an impressive late victory at home to Everton.
FA comission rules Burnley striker Andre Gray's tweets were 'deplorable'https://t.co/7a8qXeo8db pic.twitter.com/wOaQ12bnTm
Fellow striker, Sam Vokes has been deployed as a lone forward during that time, netting two goals in his last two matches. Although, Gray played up top by himself against Leicester last month, with Burnley losing 3-0. Dyche is satisfied with the options he currently possesses within his squad.
He said,We've enjoyed the way we've looked at it, I changed it at Leicester, before Andre's absence, so it wasn't because of it.
I felt the team needs to be flexible in its planning, and I've been quite pleased with the way it's gone, more like a 4-4-1-1.
There is still scope to change it back, I do like playing with two centre forwards, but it's nice to know we have that flexibility when we need it.�
Great to see Sam Vokes getting a fully crack at the Premier League. With no Andre Gray he's been outstanding tonight #burwat #twitterclarets
The Clarets are hoping midfield duo Steven Defour and George Boyd are fit to return against United after missing the 2-1 win over Everton last weekend.
Just on Friday, Boydy was struggling a little bit Thursday, he got a knock in the back last week at Southampton, and just couldn't come through it.
Andre was missing as well, he comes back into contention now, and Barnesey has had a good week, so that's improving, and Steven Defour is better news as well from what we thought.
They're important players for us, so to miss them and still get that performance is very pleasing.�
Burnley's victory over the Toffees pushed them up to 14th place in the Premier League, with 10 points after nine games. A tricky trip to Manchester now awaits and with the Clarets yet to pick up a single point on the road this season, Dyche is keen to change that.
He said: Over the last three and a half years it's been a difficult place to come, and we want and need that.
It's difficult to get points on the road. The Premier League probably exaggerates that more than most.
Andre Gray (44 apps, 25 gls in 2015/16) now back from suspension, definitely one to consider at just 6.2m and 3.1% selection #FPL
I think Premier League teams seem to be stronger at home, apart from the super powers who can probably go anywhere and take a game on.
Our mentality is strong away from home, it's just our performances haven't been as strong.�
And he smiled: We have to continue that next week, starting with that easy one at Old Trafford!�