Burnley manager Scott Parker admits he's treading carefully with Lyle Foster

The 24-year-old former Cercle Brugge and Westerlo forward has played just 12 times in all competitions for the Championship this season.

He struggled with a knee injury towards the end of 2024 that he picked up in Bafana's 5-0 victory over Congo in October and has only just made his return to full fitness.

Foster played just a few minutes in the Clarets last four league games, most recently coming off the bench in the 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, with Zian Flemming on target on the hour mark.

Parker said on Kickoff: "Lyle has been out for some time, so we need to tread carefully.

"He's getting some good training into him, albeit not as much as we'd like just because of the sheer volume of games and training has been reduced because of that.

"But Lyle is in a good place, and we're going to need him along with all the other boys."

Parker's side are now just a point adrift of league leaders Leeds after 26 games, in second place.

Burnley are next in action away to Reading on Saturday 11 January.

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