Lyle Foster Makes Premier League Return With Reassuring Support From NFL Star JJ Watt

• Lyle Foster was a surprise inclusion in Burnley's latest Premier League squad
• The South African star was showered with support as he returned to the pitch
• Foster has only weeks to prove he is up for Bafana Bafana's AFCON challenge

A triumphant return was made just in time for an international battle.

Lyle Foster is back in his club's claret and blue, giving a glimmer of hope that he could line up in yellow and green next month in the Ivory Coast.

The South African forward played 45 minutes for Burnley in their 2-0 defeat to Everton, coming on at half-time for Jay Rodriguez.

Foster's return after several weeks of receiving treatment for mental health issues was widely celebrated, including by a sporting philanthropist from across the Atlantic.

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Following the match, JJ Watt posted a photo with the Burnley striker with the text:

"Some things are much bigger than football. Seeing this man on the pitch again should put a smile on anyone’s face."

The former Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman is no stranger to medical conditions himself.

Watt retired from the NFL after the 2022 season at age 33 after injuries and an atrial fibrillation diagnosis, as reported by ESPN.

Foster's return will be good news for club and country, with coach Vincent Kompany elaborating on the development after the Everton games. In a statement released by Burnley, Kompany said:

"It was the opinion of the experts that keeping him in his natural environment was important. Football is part of his life, it’s something he needs to do to be happy as well."

Hugo Broos will also breathe a sigh of relief as hopefully, his forward can be fit as South Africa have had to rule out Lebo Mothiba from the upcoming AFCON campaign due to injury.

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Broos names preliminary AFCON squad

Sports Brief also previously reported on Hugo Broos announcing his initial squad to prepare for AFCON 2023.

The 50-man squad will be trimmed down to 27 players, with that list needing to be submitted by January 4.

Broos was criticised for his selection, with many questioning why he left out young star, Relebohile Mofokeng.