The final international break of 2024 hasn’t worked out well for Aston Villa.
Several players have returned to Bodymoor Heath with injuries, all at the wrong time ahead of a very busy, important and season-defining winter period for Aston Villa.
Amadou Onana got injured on Belgium duty and is expected to be out of action for ‘two or three weeks’ after Youri Tielemans was left out of Domenico Tedesco’s squad because he isn’t 100% fit.
Added to that, Pau Torres has withdrawn from Spain duty, alongside Ian Maatsen, who dropped out of the Netherlands’ U21 squad.
And then you can add Ezri Konsa to the injury list, the Villa defender started England’s 3-0 win over Greece on Thursday evening, but only lasted 45 minutes following a problem with his hip.
On the one hand, this isn’t ideal for Aston Villa because they aren’t exactly flying high in the Premier League, in regards to sitting ninth in the table and their form.
But it does open the door for other players to step up and showcase what they are about.
Ross Barkley’s time to regularly start for Aston Villa after Amadou Onana’s injury
Another player who has been out of action in recent weeks is Ross Barkley, but he is expected back after the international break and he will certainly be back before Onana.
With Boubacar Kamara also suffering a problem, then Villa’s midfield becomes light, especially from a defensive aspect.
Fans have seen Barkley being used in a number six role this term and this is now his chance to become a regular starter.
The team isn’t playing well as it is, something needs to change, and players need to step up, or else, the team will continue to slide.
But with these injuries, you sense Emery’s arm will be forced somewhat, and perhaps, just perhaps, that will prove to be a blessing in disguise.
Simply because it forces the manager to start certain players and Barkley might be one of them, but he deserves it.
Barkley’s stats for Villa
The 30-year-old has only started two matches – the 0-0 draw against Manchester United and the 2-1 EFL Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.
For large parts, Barkley has fared well and the fans are loving what they are seeing because he has brought a sense of control to proceedings.
He is a prime example of someone being great for the team and those around him, with WhoScored rating his overall performances at 6.43.
| Tournament | Apps | Mins | Goals | Assists | KeyP | SpG | PS% | Tackles | AerialsWon | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| League Cup | 1 | 90 | – | – | 3 | – | 86.8 | – | 4 | 6.80 |
| Premier League | 1(7) | 272 | 1 | 1 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 88.1 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 6.43 |
| Champions League | 0(3) | 78 | – | – | 0.3 | – | 82.9 | 1 | – | 6.31 |
| Total / Average | 12 | 440 | 1 | 1 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 86.7 | 1 | 0.5 | 6.43 |
