Burnley head coach Nicky Hayen has confirmed that defender Anel Ahmedhodzic will be sidelined for approximately 12 days after sustaining a concussion, ruling him out of Friday night's Championship home fixture against Wolves (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Ahmedhodzic was forced off late in Tuesday's home draw with Charlton, a match that ended in frustration for the Clarets after the visitors levelled in the 96th minute. The timing of the injury could scarcely be worse for Hayen, who is still searching for Burnley's first home win of the Championship season.

Protocol rules out quick return

Speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire, Hayen was frank about the situation: "He has a concussion so will be out for the protocol which is 12 days. It's another disappointment but we have to accept it and be ready for the game."

Concussion protocols in English football are non-negotiable in their timelines, meaning Burnley have no prospect of rushing the Bosnia and Herzegovina international back ahead of schedule regardless of how he feels in the coming days. The 12-day absence will rule him out of at least two Championship fixtures.

Hayen points to cover options

Hayen was quick to stress that he has viable alternatives at his disposal. "Now it's for other players to take their chance," he said. "We have the options with Max [Alleyne] and Hjalmar [Ekdal] so we have to make the best choice."

The head coach also acknowledged the broader challenge of maintaining defensive continuity at a time when Burnley are trying to build momentum in the second tier. "Every manager wants consistency in his team but when we find a team or make one different change you have another injury and you have to look for the best selection possible," he added.

Alleyne and Ekdal are therefore the names in contention to fill the gap against Wolves, with Hayen facing a decision over which of the two offers the best partnership with the rest of his backline for a game that Burnley genuinely need to win to kick-start their home form.

Home form under the spotlight

The Clarets' inability to win at Turf Moor this Championship season has become a growing concern. Tuesday's late capitulation against Charlton, when a 96th-minute equaliser denied them all three points, typified the kind of margins that have kept them from turning home performances into victories.

Hayen has spoken publicly about a growing sense of positivity within the squad following the recent international break, and there were signs against Charlton that the team is building in the right direction. Losing a key central defensive figure to concussion, however, is a setback that tests the squad's depth at a critical moment.

Friday's match against Wolves represents another opportunity to finally break the home duck, and Hayen will be hoping that whichever central defensive pairing he selects can provide the foundation for a result that has been elusive on their own patch so far this term.

Ahmedhodzic's return date, based on the 12-day protocol, would put him back in contention in the latter part of October, meaning Burnley could yet have him available for fixtures later in the month if his recovery proceeds without complication.

Frequently asked

How long is Anel Ahmedhodzic out for Burnley?
Burnley head coach Nicky Hayen has confirmed Ahmedhodzic will be absent for 12 days due to a concussion sustained in the Charlton draw, ruling him out of at least two Championship matches.
Who will replace Ahmedhodzic in Burnley's defence?
Hayen has indicated that Max Alleyne and Hjalmar Ekdal are the options to fill in at centre-back during Ahmedhodzic's absence.
When is Burnley's next Championship home game?
Burnley host Wolves on Friday night, with kick-off at 20:00 BST, a match they will contest without the injured Ahmedhodzic.