Barkley Injury Worry Gives Villa a Minor Jolt After Fenerbahce Rout
Aston Villa may have swept Fenerbahce aside in style, but football always has a habit of throwing in a little sting with the sugar. Ross Barkley is now a doubt for the trip to Newcastle United after picking up what looked like an upper-leg or hip issue late on in the 6-0 Champions League demolition at Villa Park.
It was a night when Unai Emery’s side were simply ruthless. They were slick, sharp and miles too good for their opponents, racking up a club-record win in the competition and reminding everyone that their early-season wobble is very much in the rear-view mirror. Johan Manzambi opened the scoring, Nicolas Jackson added a brace before the break, and Barkley himself got in on the act with two goals of his own. Tammy Abraham then completed the rout before half-time. As nights go in Europe, that was as comfortable as they come.
But the late scare with Barkley will not be brushed aside. The midfielder overstretched in an attempt to make a tackle near Fenerbahce’s box in the 81st minute, and straight away there was something amiss. He initially tried to jog it off, but that never looked convincing, and he quickly came off for Leon Goretzka, who has only just returned from a knee problem.
From the sidelines, Barkley was seen speaking at length with Villa’s physio, trying to explain exactly what he was feeling. That usually tells you it is not just a nothing knock. It could be cramp, of course, and you would not rule that out after a high-energy European evening. But equally, it may be a muscular issue, and that is the sort of thing managers hate to hear with a difficult league away day looming.
And make no mistake, Newcastle away is no place for the faint-hearted. St James’ Park will be bouncing, the tempo will be ferocious, and Villa will need every bit of control they can muster if they are to keep this excellent run going. Barkley has been central to that control, so if he misses out, Emery loses a player who was right at the heart of Villa’s rhythm against Fenerbahce.
The good news for Villa is that Goretzka is back fit and ready to step in if required. Emery at least has a replacement with experience, which softens the blow a touch. Still, after such a commanding performance in Europe, Villa would have wanted the only headline to be about the football, not another fitness concern. That’s the game, though: one minute you’re celebrating a six-goal showpiece, the next you’re checking the treatment room.
For now, Villa will be hoping Barkley’s problem settles quickly and that Wednesday’s late scare proves to be little more than a temporary nuisance. But heading to Newcastle, there is no denying it: this is a concern Emery could have done without.
