South Africa’s Burnley striker Lyle Foster has been excluded from the squad for the upcoming African Cup of Nations due to mental health issues preventing him from traveling, his club has confirmed.
Despite being informed by Burnley that Foster would not be available for selection, he was initially included in the preliminary squad.
Foster was sidelined by his Premier League club in November due to a recurrence of his mental health issues, as stated by the club.
However, the 23-year-old made a return to action on Dec. 16 against Everton, traveled to London for the win over Fulham last week, and started in the Boxing Day game at home against Liverpool.
South Africa manager Hugo Broos expressed surprise at Foster’s recent playing time and contacted Burnley coach Vincent Kompany regarding the matter.
Broos stated in a press conference that he was informed by Kompany that Foster was not ready to travel, despite playing 45 minutes, due to the potential danger of a recurrence of his previous issues.
“Our doctor had contact with the doctors at Burnley. I got the medical report where it stated it was impossible for Foster to be at Afcon and this is medical,” Broos said.
The 23-man squad for the tournament includes goalkeepers Ricardo Goss, Veli Mothwa, and Ronwen Williams, defenders Grant Kekana, Terrence Mashego, Nyiko Mobbie, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Mothobi Mvala, Nkosinathi Sibisi, and Siyanda Xulu, midfielders Jayden Adams, Teboho Mokoena, Thabang Monare, Sphephelo Sithole, and Themba Zwane, and forwards Oswin Appollis, Zakhele Lepasa, Evidence Makgopa, Thapelo Maseko, Mihlali Mayambela, and Thapelo Morena, Percy Tau.
(Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Ken Ferris)
