Nicky Hayen has hinted that Jordan Beyer could return to Burnley action in early 2027.

The center-back hasn’t played for the Clarets since December 30, 2023, due to serious injury concerns.

It has already been almost 1,000 days since his last appearance for the team, and there were even concerns that he could have to retire from football during this extended layoff.

Fans were astonished when images emerged late last week showing the defender back in training with the first-team group.

Since leaving a Premier League game against Aston Villa nearly three years ago due to a knee injury, the 26-year-old has had two surgeries.

However, setbacks in his recovery have drastically extended his stay on the sidelines, and he now hopes to return to the Lancashire outfit.

Nicky Hayen confirms Jordan Beyer’s fitness issue.

Hayen has stated that Beyer’s return to training does not imply that he is ready to return to the team immediately, despite impressing in his first outings on the grass in quite some time.

He believes it could be January before he makes his next appearance for the club, as there is still more work to be done before he can compete in the Championship.

“So Jordan came back after a long rehab,” Beyer told the Burnley Express.

“But, step by step, he is making progress.

“I believe it will take until January for him to be fully recovered, but it is also preferable to do it in an environment that you enjoy and with guys that support you.

“The way how he trains is actually quite okay, but he still has a lot of work.”

Beyer initially signed for Burnley in the summer of 2022, following Vincent Kompany’s hiring as manager.

The defender appeared 30 times in the Championship as the Clarets won the title on their route to promotion.

However, he only made 15 Premier League games before his injury problems began, and it has already been more than 1,000 days since he last played competitively for the club.

Beyer did play in a behind-closed-door friendly against Fleetwood Town in the summer of 2025, but he has not been seen since.

Burnley’s start to the season

Burnley won their first Championship game of the season on Saturday, defeating Watford 4-0.

Jacob Bruun Larsen, Zeki Amdouni, Reo Hatate, and Marcus Edwards scored to give Hayen’s team all three points.

Burnley stats vs. Watford (from Fotmob.com)

Stat

Figure

Expected Goals (xG)

1.94

Shots (on Target)

17 (8)

Touches in the opposition area.

36

Big chances

4

Accurate passes (percentage

348 (82%)

Yellow cards.

0

Corners

2

The win boosted the team from the bottom of the table to 22nd, with the Clarets now on seven points from their first nine games.

Burnley’s next game is at home against Charlton Athletic on Tuesday at 7.45pm.

Burnley need to be cautious with Jordan Beyer’s return.

Beyer was an important member of the team before to his initial injury, and losing him was a blow to Kompany’s side.

Given the length of his absence, it’s unclear what level the German could return to, as it will be three years between appearances if he isn’t fit until January.

If he can regain his best form from before his layoff, Hayen’s defensive options for the second half of the season will improve, and he may even avoid the need to look for a center-back during the winter.

However, Burnley must exercise caution with the 26-year-old, as exacerbating any of his fitness issues now might jeopardise his chances of ever returning to competitive action.