Burnley grant Lyle Foster an extended leave of absence with the Clarets top scorer visiting specialists to look after his mental health

Burnley have given striker Lyle Foster extended leave to care for his mental health.

The 23-year-old, who is the club’s top scorer this season, has missed the last three Premier League games and is seeing specialists to help overcome his illness.

Foster signed for the Clarets from Belgian side Westerlo in January and impressed despite Burnley’s difficult return to the top flight.

The South African international has said he has dealt with depression and anxiety in the past.

“Lyle recently informed us that he continues to live with issues surrounding his mental wellbeing and has sought help,” a statement from Burnley said.

Foster is Burnley’s top scorer this season and has impressed despite their difficult start

‘He is currently being cared for by specialists, who are giving him the support and care he needs to return him to full health.

“With the love and support of his family and everyone at Burnley, we will do everything we can to provide him with everything he needs to get better.

“We ask for your understanding and request Lyle’s privacy in this matter and will not be commenting further until further notice.”

Foster opened up about depression in an interview with a radio station in South Africa earlier this year.

“I was in Belgium and went back for preparation, but I just didn’t feel good,” he said.

“Some things started to creep in and I realized it was on a downward spiral. I had severe depression and anxiety at the time and it was very difficult to deal with where I was in terms of performing and focusing on my reality.

‘I was all alone in my apartment. I just realized that I felt an enormous sense of loneliness.

‘I felt like I couldn’t really express myself in front of all my teammates, it was a lot harder to be around them and do things that footballers should do.

The South African striker started suffering from depression earlier this year during his time at Westerlo

“I was just trying to go and train and play matches and honestly the best thing I could do at that time in my life was go home and sleep. There was no real excitement or looking forward to anything.

‘Then I realized I was in trouble and panicked a bit. I didn’t know what was going on or how to deal with it because it was the first time I was in that position.”

Foster added, “I couldn’t be bothered to do things I enjoyed. I didn’t enjoy it because of the thoughts I was having and the voices, which was very difficult to deal with.

‘It was hard to get up and go to training, hard to actually do anything.

‘I also spoke to my parents and my agent, I told them that I don’t feel well and that I don’t feel strong or powerful. I opened up to them, but I was just clouded by the darkness. It was a super difficult period.

‘I had the support of my old club Westerlo, who really went out of their way to help me. But I am in the light now, I see the light.’