Foster ruled out over mental health issue

Lyle Foster is Burnley's top scorer this season with three goals

Burnley top scorer Lyle Foster has been ruled out for an indefinite period of time because of a recurrence of a mental health issue.

South African Foster has scored three goals and had two assists this season.

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

It added: "Recently, Lyle let us know that he continues to live with issues around his mental wellbeing 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."

They asked people to "respect Lyle's privacy", adding they "will not be making any more comment until further notice".

Foster has played eight league and cup games for Vincent Kompany's side this season, the last of which came in the 3-0 loss at Brentford on 21 October.

He has also played four times for his national side this campaign.

In an interview with South African radio station MSW earlier this year, Foster spoke about his time at Belgian side Westerlo, where he played between August 2021 and January 2023.

"I was in my apartment all by myself. I realised I just felt this huge sense of loneliness," he said.

"I felt like I couldn't really express myself with all of my team-mates. It was a lot more difficult to be around them and do things footballers are supposed to do.

"I just used to try and go to training, play games and honestly the best thing to do at that time of my life was to go back home and sleep. There was no real excitement or looking forward to anything.

"That's when I realised I was in some trouble and I panicked a little bit. I didn't know what was going on or how to deal with it because it was the first time I was in a position like that."

According to the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), more than 75% of professional footballers have experienced some kind of mental health issue.

For information and support with issues raised in this article visit BBC Action Line

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