Burnley confirm Lyle Foster is in the care of specialists, Vincent Kompany releases statement

Burnley have released a statement to provide an update on forward Lyle Foster.

In a statement, the club announced that Foster, 23, will be ruled out for an indefinite period due to a recurrence of a mental health issue.

Burnley's statement 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 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.”

It continued: “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.”

Earlier in the year, Foster spoke about his time at Belgian side Westerlo.

He told South African radio station MSW: “I was in my apartment all by myself. I realised I just felt this huge sense of loneliness.

“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.”

One in four people in the UK experience a mental health problem each year.

According to the PFA, over 75% of professional footballers have experienced some kind of mental health issue.

If you or someone you know is affected by the issues raised - please reach out.

Help is… pic.twitter.com/LBlfe3YlJG

— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) November 9, 2023

Foster added: “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.”

If you or someone you know is affected by the issues raised - please reach out. Help is available at: Mind and Samaritans

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