Everton and England midfielder Ross Barkley has suffered a broken toe and a six-week absence on the sidelines. This injury occurred after the emphatic 4-0 victory of Harry Redknapp’s championship team Queens Park Rangers earlier this month (January 4).
Due to an injury, the English hope will now miss the next seven games of the 2013-14 season for Everton, which means that he will miss the crucial games of the Merseyside Derby at Anfield against his rival Liverpool (January 28), a trip to White Hart Lane, home of Tottenham Hotspur (February 9) and a trip to Race Chelsea, candidates for the title, at Stamford Bridge (February 22).
It also means that the youngster will miss the fourth round of the FA Cup match against his Sky Bet League One opponent and the wrestlers of this Division, Stevenage Borough (January 25).
This injury is similar to that of Leighton Baines in November, when he broke a toe in his back during the Merseyside Derby against Liverpool.
This left Toffees coach Roberto MartÃnez with another injury concern, while defenders Sylvain Distin, Antolin Alcaraz and captain Phil Jagielka and winger Gerard Deulofeu were injured (Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin were expected to return in the next two weeks).
Gerard Deulofeu’s absence is of little concern after the Republic Of Ireland winger signed Aiden McGeady for an undisclosed fee.
The outstanding performances of the young man have earned him citations in England and the interest of Manchester United and Chelsea.
It is possible that Coach Martinez wants to fill in the gaps of the absent defenders, but no goals have yet been announced or confirmed. although this seems to be a possibility.
Barkley’s injury means he will be out for Everton’s next game against Premier League wrestlers West Brom, currently in 14th place and just 3 points from safety. Everton will be trying to get closer to a seemingly comfortable and deserved three points after an excellent campaign before the 2013-14 season which has lost only two of its last 21 games in the Premier League.
The only known player to fill Barkley’s void will be military veteran Leon Osman, who has scored 3 goals this Season, and with Ross injured, Osman will try to prove a point and consolidate his place in the central striking midfield.
This injury could mean that the youngster could somewhat reduce his chances of getting a place in Roy Hodgson’s team, which will play at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The chance came after the midfielder has always performed well this Season with impressive 4 goals.