Burnley FC will have to do without Lyle Foster for an indefinite period. The attacker is struggling with mental health problems and is taking some time off
Lyle Foster has been missing from Burnley’s squad for the past three games – the promoted side cited “illness” as the reason for the top scorer’s absence. On Thursday, the Clarets provided an update and revealed the exact illness: “Recently, Lyle informed us that he continues to struggle with issues relating to his mental wellbeing and is seeking help,” FCB wrote in a press release.
As a result, the 23-year-old, who is in the “care of specialists”, is taking time out from soccer. How long Burnley will have to do without the South African is of course unclear. “We are now doing everything we can to get him back to doing what he enjoys most, namely playing soccer, as quickly as possible,” explained coach Vincent Kompany, adding: “Because that will also have a positive effect on his mental well-being. “
This is not the first time Foster has suffered from mental health problems: Back in 2021 as a Westerlo player, he struggled with depression. “I just tried to go to training, play games and honestly the best thing was to go home and sleep. There was no real excitement or anticipation for anything,” the attacker revealed in an interview with “EWN” as recently as July. At the time of the interview, he was enjoying life “on and off the pitch” again thanks to the great support of his family.
The striker’s relapse has also hit Burnley hard in sporting terms. Foster, who the Clarets signed from Belgian first division side Westerlo in January, has been directly involved in more than half of FCB’s goals in his seven league games this season: He has scored three of the eight league goals so far himself and the ten-time South African international has set up two. Due to his performances, the club only extended Foster’s contract until 2028 on October 26.
