Burnley manager Scott Parker explains Lyle Foster’s absence in Chelsea clash

Head coach of Burnley Scott Parker has explained why South Africa international Lyle Foster missed the sides Premier League match against Chelsea at the weekend.

The Clarets struck deep into stoppage time to earn a valuable point at Stamford Bridge, but the Bafana Bafana international was notably absent from the matchday squad.

However, Parker has disclosed Foster was among several players battling illness in the lead-up to the fixture.

“He was struggling a little bit with his stomach, so we decided that it was best to bring him off,” Parker told Burnley Express.

“There’s been some illness including Foster. Lesley Ugochukwu as well — he missed training on Thursday because of it.

“So, there’s been a little bit of illness in the camp. Bash Humphreys also reported last night at the hotel that he was struggling. So, there has been a little bit of that, but we got through it.”

Despite the encouraging result against Chelsea, Burnley FC remain in a precarious position, sitting 19th in the Premier League table. The Clarets are eight points adrift of safety with 11 matches remaining, leaving them with a steep climb in their battle to avoid relegation.

With Foster expected to recover soon, Burnley will hope to have their key attacker back as they prepare for the decisive run-in.