Burnley manager Scott Parker has provided a positive update on Lyle Foster's recovery, with the South African forward edging closer to a return after being sidelined since October.
Foster sustained a knee injury during an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier for Bafana Bafana earlier this year. While initial assessments suggested the 24-year-old would be back in action by November, further evaluations extended his recovery timeline.
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As the Clarets prepare to face Norwich City in an EFL Championship clash on Sunday, the Clarets boss confirmed that Foster remains unavailable but is making encouraging progress.
"Lyle is on the grass and moving well. It won't be too long before he becomes available," the English manager told the club's official website.
"It's just about getting load into him now and getting match ready."
Burnley are currently sitting in third place in the Championship table after 20 matches, trailing Leeds United in second by just three points and league leaders Sheffield United by four.
As the promotion race intensifies, Parker remains optimistic about his team's prospects while urging continued improvement.
"We're still at a stage where I want to keep improving, and I know there's more to come from this team," the 44-year-old remarked.
The Clarets will be eager to secure maximum points this weekend following a goalless draw against Derby County.
While the Englishman acknowledged the team's disappointment with the result, he found encouragement in their mindset.
"I actually like the fact that there was disappointment in the dressing room on Tuesday night from drawing a game. It shows where we want to be and what we're striving for," he explained.
"We have to strap ourselves in and go along with the ride. Don't get me wrong, we were disappointed with Tuesday, but after a couple of days you put a bit of context to it.
"My main focus is on being the team we want to be. I'm pleased with how we've done so far, but I know there's a lot we can still improve on."
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With Foster nearing full fitness and Burnley pushing for automatic promotion, Parker will be hoping his side can hit top gear as the season heats up.