Burnley manager Sean Dyche fears Nick Pope shoulder injury is serious

The 26-year-old travelled as England's third goalkeeper at the World Cup in Russia

Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope was forced off during the first half (Getty)

Sean Dyche fears Nick Pope has suffered a potentially serious shoulder injury after being forced off in Burnley’s Europa League draw with Aberdeen on Thursday.

Pope departed in the early stages at Pittodrie after challenging Sam Cosgrove for the ball and falling to ground.

The 26-year-old, who served as England’s third goalkeeper at the World Cup in Russia, received treatment on the pitch before being transferred to hospital.

Dyche confirmed after the final whistle that Pope’s injury was a shoulder problem and fears it could prove to be serious.

“Nick has a shoulder injury,” he said. “We’ll have to wait and see but it looks to be more serious, rather than not serious.”

Pope’s breakthrough at Burnley came last September when, ironically, Burnley ‘keeper and captain Tom Heaton suffered a shoulder injury against Crystal Palace.

Pope’s impressive displays as Heaton’s replacement over the subsequent months saw him retain No 1 status and earned him a place in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad.

Burnley conceded soon after Pope left the pitch, with substitute Anders Lindegaard unable to prevent Gary Mackay-Steven from scoring a first-half penalty.

Aberdeen sought to hold out for a valuable first-leg lead but Sam Vokes’ equaliser in the closing stages – a valuable away goal – hands Burnley the advantage in the tie.

“When you think about how the game panned out, you take the away goal and the draw,” said Dyche.

“I think we deserved to edge it but not I’m not remotely taking anything away from an Aberdeen side that certainly made it a proper game.”