CLARETS captain Steven Caldwell faces at least three weeks out with a recurrence of the groin problem which delayed his start to the season.

The 29-year-old missed Burnley’s opening seven Premier League games, and both Carling Cup rounds, after getting injured on his Scotland recall.

Caldwell started the World Cup qualifier in Norway - his first international appearance for nearly four years. But his delight quickly turned to despair when he was withdrawn three minutes into the second half of that 4-0 defeat, and was subsequently ruled out for almost two months.

The former Sunderland skipper returned for the 2-1 home win over Birmingham City at the beginning of October, but his comeback has been shortlived and has now been prescribed complete rest in the New Year.

“He’s got underlying problems since he was injured with Scotland,” confirmed manager Owen Coyle.

“He came back but tweaked it against Arsenal (last month).

“He’s played through the pain barrier so many times, and he went and played through it at Wolves, but it just got too much and obviously had to come off in the game. It was probably a big part in us losing a goal. He was injured but playing on.

“The best thing for him is to rest completely and get him back right - 100 per cent - because when he is, he’s been outstanding for us. He’s been a real leader and a tower of strength, and that’s what we need.

“He’s certainly going to have to have a period of rest now – probably three or four weeks minimum – and we’ll take it from there. We’ll see if it heals itself. If it does great, if not then we’ll take another avenue.”

There is better news, however, for Caldwell’s central defensive partner Clarke Carlisle, who also limped out of the 2-0 defeat to Wolves, in the first half.

“He trained (Wednesday) with us and there was no reaction to it. Hopefully if he comes through the other sessions he’ll be available for selection,” said Coyle, who added that long-term casualties Martin Paterson, Chris McCann and Jay Rodriguez were well on the road to recovery.

Rodriguez has yet to resume full training with the squad, after breaking his ankle in the reserve match with Hull, but both Paterson and McCann, who suffered cruciate and medial knee ligament damage within three days of each other, are closing in on a comeback.

However, Coyle insists they won’t be rushed.

“Chris and Pato have now trained with me in a couple of sessions and did well so we have to build that up,” he said.

“I would suggest they have another five or six sessions with me, by that time maybe we’ll get them some part of a closed doors game and look to build up from there. They’re both naturally fit lads anyway, but what we can’t do is rush them on and lose them for another two or three months.

“We have to make sure that when they come back, they’re back to stay, God-willing.

“But I’m delighted with their progress and I would hope, in the not too distant future, that they’ll be back playing some sort of games for us.”