Burnley coach Scott Parker has provided a fresh injury update on Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster who has been out of action for over a month following a knee injury sustained on national duty during the October FIFA international break. 

Foster was withdrawn from the Bafana squad that faced Congo Brazzaville in the return leg of the doubleheader clashes after a collision with Congolese shot-stopper Christopher Mafoumbi in the first leg at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. 

Hugo Broos’ side was dealt with a further major injury blow in the same recess, losing midfield maestro and Mamelodi Sundowns playmaker Themba Zwane to an Achilles tendon injury which is set to rule him out for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. 

The Clarets’ frontman was initially expected to be absent for a few weeks after scans conducted by Bafana Bafana team doctor Tshepo Molobi confirmed that the nature of the injury did not require surgery as it was not severe. 

However, as a result of the setback, the 24-year-old former Orlando Pirates forward was omitted from the latest squad set to take on Uganda in Kampala on Friday (15h00) and South Sudan in the mother city four days later at DHL Cape Town stadium on Tuesday. 

But despite missing key figures, Broos’ charges have secured their ticket to the 2025 Africa Cup Of Nations without kicking the ball, thanks to South Sudan’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Congo Brazzaville on Thursday afternoon. 

Now, Parker, who has been battling with injury woes, has revealed that Forster’s return date has been pushed back after previously suggesting that the Bafana international could be back in the fold after the November FIFA international break. After undergoing a recent scan, it appears the player is still a few weeks away from full fitness according to the English-born tactician. 

“Lyle will still be [out for] a few weeks, he had a big injury, so it will be a few weeks, ” he said. 

The Bucs academy graduate has struggled to find form in the Championship so far this season, scoring a single goal and providing one assist in eight appearances as Burnley continues to push for promotion back to the English Premier League after their relegation.

The Clarets are currently in fourth place in the English second-tier standings with 27 points, four behind log leaders Sunderland with seven wins, six draws, and two losses in the opening 15 matches of the ongoing campaign.