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 champion team, Queens Park Rangers, earlier this month (January 4).
Due to his injury, the English hope will now miss Everton’s next seven matches of the 2013/14 season; which means that he will miss the decisive matches of the Merseyside Derby at Anfield against league rivals Liverpool (January 28); a trip to White Hart Lane, home of Tottenham Hotspur (February 9) and a trip to fellow title contenders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (February 22).
It also means the youngster will miss the fourth round of the FA Cup tie against Sky Bet League One and that division’s strugglers Stevenage Borough (January 25).
This injury is similar to the one suffered by Leighton Baines in November when he broke a toe on his back during the Merseyside Derby against Liverpool.
This left Toffees coach Roberto Martínez with another injury problem, while defenders Sylvain Distin, Antolin Alcaraz and captain Phil Jagielka; and winger Gerard Deulofeu were sidelined by injuries (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 achievements 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 it seems to be a possibility.
Barkley’s injury means he will be out for Everton’s next game against Premier League strugglers West Brom, who currently sit 14th and are only 3 points from safety. Everton will be looking to move closer to a seemingly comfortable and deserved three points after an excellent campaign leading up to the 2013/14 season, having lost only two of their last 21 Premier League matches.
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.
The injury could mean that the youngster could slightly reduce his chances of securing a place in Roy Hodgson’s squad, which will play in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The chance came after the midfielder has always had good performances this season with 4 impressive goals.
