Jacob Ramsey has left the Under-21 European Championships after sustaining an injury which requires him to see a specialist.
The Aston Villa midfielder was forced off with an ankle injury in Sunday’s 1-0 England win over Portugal in the quarter-finals.
Villa’s 22-year-old left the stadium on crutches, which makes grim reading for Unai Emery. Ramsey will likely miss pre-season, but now faces a race for fitness ahead of the new campaign, which kicks off August 12th against Newcastle United.
Three Lions boss Lee Carsley said they wouldn’t be “taking any chances”, adding “It’s still development football. Jacob’s in good hands. It’s hard to tell, he’s got a lot of numbness in his foot and ankle.”
This could suggest it isn’t as serious and possibly just a precaution. However, The Athletic add that Ramsey will now see a specialist to determine the severity and if he needs surgery.
Aston Villa confirmed the midfielder, who scored and assisted in the tournament, will return to England for assessment on his injury.
Ramsey’s return is pivotal for Villa
Ramsey has been impressing in the Premier League for a couple of seasons now. In total he has contributed 20 G/A in 91 appearances (12 G, 8 A). That being said, the 2022-23 season saw Ramsey breakout as an impactful and regular in the line-up.
Six goals and seven assists in 35 games last term put his name in lights at Villa Park. Even capturing the attentions of Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool who reportedly had earmarked the youngster as a potential midfield signing.
With a market value of £36million however he is among The Villa’s most valuable assets. He is set to build upon his impressive season with an even better on next season, proving Steven Gerrard right.
The ex-Villa boss had previously explained that “We’ve come in and seen Jacob Ramsey playing at a level where he can’t be outside the eleven,” a sentiment clearly shared by Emery.
Ramsey ended his season on a high, contributing to nine goals in villa’s last 12 games as they won eight games during the run in. This resulting in a 7th place finish for Villa.
