Burnley FC manager Vincent Kompany has reacted to striker Lyle Foster’s latest return from injury. The South African featured as a second-half late substitute for the Clarets as they edged Brentford 2-1 on Sunday. The 23-year-old replaced David Datro Fofana in the 88th minute of the Premier League match.
Burnley FC bank on Lyle Foster in Premier League survival
In a post-match interview with Sky Sports Television, Vincent Kompany described Lyle Foster’s availability as a welcome luxury in the Premier League run-in. The Daily Motion website in the United Kingdom shared the video clip of the press conference. The Manchester City legend said: “Another luxury, finally! It is crucial for us, like, you just see the fact that Fofana was probably gassed out towards the end. Being able to bring Lyle on with new energy and flesh legs is so important for us. We have a lot of big players [sidelined]. Hopefully, towards the end of the season, they will come back.”
How Burnley FC suffered due to Lyle Foster’s situation
It was the first time in over a month that the South African returned to the Premier League action. The former Orlando Pirates forward picked up a muscle injury last month. It was another fresh setback for the Bafana Bafana player as he had comeback from the sidelines. He was battling mental health issues, which kept him out of action for seven weeks from late last year. That left Vincent Kompany with limited selection options in attack.
Hugo Broos’ reaction to the Premier League striker’s absence
The mental health issues also meant that Lyle Foster excused himself from Bafana Bafana’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations mission in Ivory Coast. The forward did eventually return to action at the Turf Moor but not for Bafana Bafana. This did not please coach Hugo Broos.
During the match, Jacob Larsen put the Clarets on the path to victory with a 10th-minute goal from the penalty spot. The hosts scored two minutes after Brentford were reduced to 10 men after defender Sergio Reguilon had received a red card. The former Manchester United on-loan player was penalized for fouling Burnley FC winger Vitinho. The red card came after a review by the Video Assistant Referee. It was a start Vincent Kompany must have hoped for.
The Clarets boost Premier League survival bid
The Vincent Kompany’s side cushioned their lead after restart through Fofana’s goal in the 62nd minute. The visitors reduced the deficit when Danish defender Kristoffer Ajer headed the ball into the net with seven minutes remaining on the clock. However, with Lye Foster leading the line, all ended well for Burnley FC.
The Clarets have their backs pinned to the wall. Burnley FC are fighting relegation with three points separating them from bottom-placed Sheffield United. However, The Blades have a game in hand in the Premier League survival bid. The win boosted Burnley’s slim chances of surviving relegation. They sit second from the bottom of the log table. The Clarets are eight points away from safety with nine matches to go. Vincent Kompany should be hoping that his wards would come back recharged from the international break.