Scott Parker explains why South Africa striker Lyle Foster missed Burnley’s draw at Chelsea

Burnley manager Scott Parker has confirmed that a minor illness was behind the absence of South African forward Lyle Foster in the 1–1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

When asked about Kyle Walker being substituted at half-time, Parker revealed: “He was struggling a little bit with his stomach, so we decided that it was best to bring him off,” Parker said when asked about why Kyle Walker was taken off at half-time, per Burnley Express.

The Burnley boss then linked Foster’s absence to the same issue affecting Walker.

“There’s been some illness,” indicating that the issue affecting Walker was the same one that kept Foster out of the clash.

“Lesley [Ugochukwu, who was also subbed off early into the second half] as well, he missed training on Thursday due to it.

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

Foster has been a key figure in Burnley’s attack this season, and the news of his absence raised concerns given the club’s position in the relegation zone.

Parker’s update, however, suggests it is a short-term setback rather than an injury issue, with expectations that the South African forward will return to action once fully recovered.

Burnley, currently 19th in the Premier League, rely on players like Foster for their push to avoid the drop, and Parker’s reassurance provides some relief for supporters ahead of the crucial final months of the season.