Burnley boss Vincent Kompany responds to Lyle Foster comments from South Africa manager
The comments come in response to South Africa boss Hugo Broos, who recently expressed his frustration at not having Foster available to him for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 23-year-old was prevented from linking up with his national side for the tournament, citing the need to prioritise his mental health concerns.
The striker missed seven weeks of action earlier in the season, when he took an indefinite break in order to receive specialist treatment.
Foster himself wrote to the South African FA informing them he wasn’t ready to feature at AFCON, a tournament that was held in Ivory Coast.
Doctors also advised Foster that he needed to remain in familiar surroundings, while playing football – the sport he loves – was also key to keeping him happy.
Since then, Foster has regularly featured for Kompany’s side, making eight appearances since his return in mid-December. The striker was, however, missing against Liverpool last weekend with a muscle injury and is now facing a period on the sidelines after undergoing surgery for a “chronic” issue.
Last week, it was reported in South Africa that the country’s FA were to launch an investigation into why Foster was not able to be part of Bafana Bafana’s AFCON squad
Off the back of that, Broos – who is well known to Kompany having handed him his debut at Anderlecht – also expressed his concerns.
When asked if it’s frustrating to read these comments again and again, Kompany said: “It’s not frustrating, it’s expected. But I will explain it again very calmly.
