Burnley FC manager Vincent Kompany has provided an update on the situation of striker Lyle Foster, who has been absent from the team since October due to a mental health issue.
The Clarets released a statement earlier this month, revealing that the Bafana Bafana striker would be taking some time away from football to receive treatment in order to get back to his full strength.
Foster has since missed four games for Burnley, three for the Premier League and one for the EFL Cup. He was also not part of the Bafana Bafana squad that recently played in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.
Kompany says Foster’s absence has been a huge setback for his side as he was their main man. The former Orlando Pirates forward has scored three goals and registered two assists from eight games he’s played across all competitions.
However, he emphasised the importance of allowing him enough time to recover fully so he can get back to his best when he returns.
KOMPANY SAYS BURNLEY HAVE ‘LOST THEIR MAIN MAN’ IN FOSTER
“You get to put the person first, you know, the human being,” said Vincent Kompany.
“But it’s not something I will say, I’ve said it earlier on as well but, this club for this reason is also very different than other clubs.
“I think there’s a reason why historically this club has overachieved. I think there’s still that same kind of idea of putting people first and being more like a family rather than industrial.
“And I don’t think there’s been any hesitation from any corners of the clubs that we should do what’s right for Lyle.
“It’s difficult for us because he was our main guy. So, on top of all questions you have asked, we’ve really lost our main guy but it doesn’t matter.
“It’s more important for him and whenever he’s ready, we’ll embrace him and the fans will. And we’ll continue our journey together.”
Kompany says they’re not rushing Foster as they want him to get the best care he can. He added the club couldn’t give a timeframe as to when the 23-year-old would return.
KOMPANY SAYS LYLE FOSTER IS GETTING THE BEST CARE POSSIBLE
“Very little I can communicate other than we’re convinced he’s getting the best care possible,” he said as per Burnley Express.
“And also we were, fully ready as and…we can’t put a timeframe on it. But to embrace him again amongst us and just to make sure that he has a platform to perform again.
“But the emphasis is not on this at the moment. It’s just him getting better.”
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