Burnley give star striker Lyle Foster time away from club to seek specialist help for mental health issues
BURNLEY have given top scorer Lyle Foster time away from the club as he battles with mental health issues.
The South African striker has been the Clarets shining light during a difficult start to life back in the Premier League.
But he has not featured since the 3-0 defeat at Brentford just after the international break – and his club have now released an update.
Foster suffered from depression earlier in his career and is now receiving specialist help.
The statement from Burnley said: “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 get back to full health.
“With the love and support of his family and everyone at Burnley FC 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 further comments.”
The £9 million forward revealed in the summer that he was suffering from depression in the months before he joined Burnley in January.
He said at the time one of the Turf Moor coaches Craig Bellamy had been a huge influence in helping him to ‘see the light’.
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The absence of the three-goal forward is another big blow for boss Vincent Kompany – whose team are joint bottom of the table after taking just four points from their first 11 matches.
Foster has scored three of the team’s eight league goals this term – making him the Clarets top scorer.
With only a single win this season against newcomers Luton – the newly promoted side is struggling to find their form.
But after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Everton it is not looking promising for Burnley who next face Arsenal on Saturday.