Lyle Foster takes break from football due to mental health concerns

Bafana Bafana and Burnley FC striker Lyle Foster has taken a break from football due to mental health concerns.

Foster has missed Burnley’s last three matches in the Premier League and the club had previously attributed his absence to an unspecified “illness.”

However, Burnley announced on Thursday that Foster has been ruled out of action for an indefinite period of time due to a relapse of a mental health issue.

The 23-year-old first spoke about his battle with depression in July, stating that he struggled with his mental health after leaving South Africa several years ago to pursue a career in Europe.

Foster, who has had a dream start to life in the Premier League has once again reached out to Burnley FC for support.

He joined the Clarets from Belgian side Westerlo in January and has become a key player for the club, netting three goals and providing two assists this season.

LYLE FOSTER SEEKS TREATMENT FOR MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE

In a statement, Burnley FC said: “On behalf of Lyle Foster and his family they have asked us to share with you an update on Lyle’s illness.

“Recently, Lyle let us know that he continues to live with issues around his mental well-being and has reached out for help. “He is currently in the care of specialists – giving him the support and care he needs to help him back to full health.

“With the love and support of his family and everyone at Burnley Football Club, we will do all we can to provide everything he needs to get better.

“We ask for your understanding and respect Lyle’s privacy around this matter and will not be making any more comment until further notice,” added the club.

Bafana coach Hugo Broos will be hoping that Foster recovers in time for the 2023 AFCON, which is scheduled to begin in January next year in Ivory Coast.

RELATED STORY: Burnley FC coach reveals when Lyle Foster will return to action