Burnley head coach Nicky Hayen has confirmed that Chelsea demanded Dastan Satpayev not be included in the squad for Tuesday evening's 2-2 draw with Charlton Athletic.
Satpayev joined Burnley on a season-long loan from Chelsea this summer, following his £3.4million move from Kazakhstan champions Kairat FC. The 18-year-old started brightly and featured in four successive games in all competitions before suffering a hamstring injury in early September.
Chelsea led rehabilitation
Chelsea were keen to lead on the teenager's rehabilitation, so they recalled Satpayev to Cobham to continue his recovery. Satpayev missed four league games, but returned to Burnley last week following the extended international break and played 16 minutes off the bench as Hayen's side beat Watford 4-0 at Vicarage Road.
He was then expected to play some part as Burnley drew 2-2 at home to Charlton but was instead a surprise omission from the matchday squad.
Hayen explains decision
Asked about Satpayev's absence, Hayen admitted the decision was out of his hands and added that Chelsea had insisted the striker not be included in the squad.
“No, we were not allowed by Chelsea,” Hayen said. “So Chelsea didn't allow him to play because he had a big injury, and they were managing the load together with our medical team, but they told us that he couldn't play today.”
The terms of the deal that took Satpayev to Turf Moor state that Chelsea have the final say over any injury decisions.
Frustration after late equaliser
Regardless, though, Hayen was left frustrated that he could not call upon Satpayev, with Burnley conceding a 96th-minute equaliser that leaves them above the Championship relegation zone on goal difference.
“Yeah, but it's also part of the deal that if they're injured, they go to their medical team and work together with ours,” the Belgian head coach continued. “We knew, and of course it's unfortunate, because when you saw Dastan also coming on at Watford, you have another threat,” he argued.
“It's a different player than Andreas (Hountondji) to come on. Even more depth, more speed, more technical ability. But we keep working really hard, and it's Friday; it's a new game.”
