'In moments like this you have to put the human first' - Kompanypublished at 15:56 9 November 2023
![Vincent Kompany](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/640/cpsprodpb/bf8e/live/7b143000-7f17-11ee-8027-c5578d2f36be.jpg.webp)
Vincent Kompany says "in moments like this you have to put the human first and that’s what we did" after Lyle Foster's recurrence of a mental health issue.
The South African forward has been ruled out for an indefinite period of time after reaching out to the club for support.
"Lyle’s been having issues with his mental wellbeing and as a club we’ve very quickly, very naturally, made a decision to fully support him, support his family and offer him access to all the expertise and clinical support that he needs," Kompany said.
"We’re wishing him a speedy recovery and to be in a better place by the time he’s ready to be back with us.
"We were very fortunate that Lyle had been very open with us. From the moment he was open with us, we were able to act and as soon as he said it and showed signs of how severe it was for him, straight away the entire support team within the club mobilised and made sure he could focus on his own recovery.
"In moments like this you have to put the human first and that’s what we did.
"Where Lyle is lucky if you like is that he has a very good network around him. He has a very healthy, supportive family and a club that want to help him not only for the player he is, but for the person he is as well. It’s not a taboo anymore. If people speak up about it they can get help."
At this stage, Kompany said he is unable to indicate when Foster could return for the Clarets.
"I can’t make those assumptions," he said. "At this moment in time he needs support and to be with people who understand how to help him. Whatever we do will be better for him if we put him first."