Leeds United have the chance to record their second away win over the season against Burnley on Saturday to ease their relegation woes.
The Whites have already beaten Wolves on the road, registering a 3-1 win over the West Midlands outfit back in September.
That, coupled with a 1-0 win over Everton on the opening day of the season, has given Leeds breathing space in the Premier League table past few weeks.
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However, Saturday’s huge clash against their fellow Championship promotion rivals from last season will be a huge test, and one that could see them sit just one point above relegation should Scott Parker’s side win.
Yet a key piece of injury news coming out of Turf Moor has given Daniel Farke a potential upper hand, with striker Lyle Foster being withdrawn from South Africa’s squad on international duty.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty ImagesLeeds United will likely see Burnley lineup without Lyle Foster in Saturday’s Premier League clash
Foster began the season in decent form for Burnley.
He had a harsh goal ruled out against Sunderland after a solid display in their opening home game of the season, whilst he nabbed his first goal of the season in the last-gasp 3-2 away loss at Manchester United at the end of August.
Lyle Foster equalised for Burnley vs Manchester United in August
However, having linked up with South Africa’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, the Clarets have received some untimely news.
Foster has withdrawn from Hugo Broos’ squad after an injury suffered with the Bafana Bafana, making him a huge doubt for the clash against Leeds. It means that Armando Broja or Zian Flemming would be the choices to replace Foster against Daniel Farke’s side.
BAFANA BAFANA CAMP UPDATE!
Lyle Foster has been withdrawn from the Bafana Bafana matchday squad due to an injury. After consultation with the medical team, a decision was taken to withdraw him. Ashley Cupido has been called up as his replacement.#BafanaPride@SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/jj4umgy4RG
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 14, 2025
Lyle Foster has withdrawn from South Africa’s national team camp due to injury.
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That could work in Leeds’ favour given their own lack of goals so far this season. Noah Okafor is their top goalscorer with two goals and he’ll aim to make that at least three if Burnley are pushed back.
With the Whites now having an easier task defensively, that could give them a boost as the War of the Roses closes in at the east Lancashire relic.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesBurnley options could give Daniel Farke confidence for Leeds to attack
The bottom line is that, without Foster, Burnley’s attacking line loses its pace and physicality. That may be a tactical gift for Leeds, as they could afford to play a higher line and squeeze the Clarets into their own half.
Armando Broja has performed largely below par since his move from Chelsea in the summer, having yet to get up to match speed after an extended period out with injury. He typically does have the stature and pace to rival Foster, but it will be a while before that point, and Leeds will be relieved that the former Westerlo striker isn’t in contention.
Flemming was Burnley’s first-choice striker last season with 12 goals in 35 outings for the Clarets, but he’s been relegated to the bench so far this season and his only goal came in a dour 2-1 loss to Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup.
A lack of attacking outlets will give the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff more of the ball in midfield, and chance creation could increase.
It’s up to Farke’s men to take advantage of Burnley’s setback.