Lyle Foster: Scott Parker explains absence in Chelsea draw

South Africa forward Lyle Foster was missing in action as Burnley held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw in week 27 of the English Premier League at the Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Foster’s absence courted discussions among Burnley fans but head coach Scott Parker has explained why the former Orlando Pirates forward sat out of the game against the Blues.

Lyle Foster has made 19 appearances for Burnley

“He was struggling a little bit with his stomach, so we decided that it was best to bring him off,” Parker said about the half-time substitute of veteran defender Kyle Walker before answering about Foster, as per the Burnley Express.

“There’s been some illness [including Foster]. Lesley [Ugochukwu] 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 only missed three matches this campaign, due to illness and a muscular strain, with the exception of the four league games during December-January where he was with Bafana Bafana at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, playing four matches with two goals in their round 16 exit after losing 2-1 to Cameroon.

Burnley are currently 19th in the Premier League

The 25-year-old has made 19 appearances with three goals in the English Premier League this season for Burnley.

He has represented South Africa from the U-17, U-20 and the U-23 levels before rising to the senior side where he has 24 caps with 10 goals under his belt.

The Clarets are currently 19th in the Premier League, eight points from safety with 11 games remaining this season.

Lyle Foster Burnley Absence Linked to Illness

Burnley head coach Scott Parker addressed the situation after the match.

“There’s been some illness [including Foster],” Parker explained, via Burnley Express. “Lesley [Ugochukwu] missed training on Thursday due to it. Bash [Humphreys] also reported feeling unwell.”

The manager clarified that illness within the squad influenced team selection decisions, including Foster’s absence.

While Parker initially discussed defender Kyle Walker’s substitution at halftime, he later confirmed Foster had been struggling physically and was not fit enough to participate.

The Lyle Foster Burnley absence was therefore precautionary rather than injury-related — a small relief for supporters concerned about a long-term setback.

Foster’s Importance to Burnley

The 25-year-old forward has made 19 Premier League appearances this season, scoring three goals. Although not prolific, his work rate, pressing intensity, and ability to stretch defenses make him a crucial component of Burnley’s system.

Foster has missed only three matches this campaign due to illness and a muscular strain. The only extended break came during December and January, when he represented South Africa national football team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

At AFCON, Foster featured in four matches and scored twice before South Africa were eliminated in the Round of 16 following a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon national football team.

His international form demonstrated his ability to perform on big stages — something Burnley will need in the final stretch of the season.