Aston Villa will face Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday in a battle between two well-coached sides hoping to qualify for the top four. The Lions already did so last season under Unai Emery, pipping Spurs for a second straight season in a European race.
With how well they have continued this season after a strong summer that included signings like Amadou Onana, Aston Villa will be the favorites despite being on the road in London.
For the most part, they are the healthier side, as Tottenham won’t have Micky van de Ven available after his hamstring strain vs. Manchester City. However, Aston Villa will have one key player in the rotation out.
Summer signing Ross Barkley won’t be available, according to manager Unai Emery, who spoke to reporters before the match on Sunday. Emery revealed that Barkley has a “small injury” and will miss two weeks.
The Spanish manager didn’t specify the nature of Barkley’s injury. It appears, at a minimum, Barkley will be out against Tottenham and the following mid-week fixture in the Champions League against Club Bruges.
Thereafter, Aston Villa will face the new Premier League title favorites, Liverpool, next weekend, but it seems more likely for Barkley to be held out of the matchup since the November international fixtures will be taking place afterwards.
So Aston Villa can expect to get Barkley back as an option off the bench on Nov. 23 against Crystal Palace. Barkley has started just one game this season, but the former Luton Town and Nice standout has been a valuable part of the rotation with goal and an assist along with seven appearances off the bench.
Every team needs a quality, all-around veteran midfielder who can provide clutch factor in a pinch. Barkley won’t be there to help Villa out on Sunday against Tottenham, but he should be back soon as an X-Factor for the rest of the Premier League campaign.
