Stockport County have suffered a huge blow following the news that attacker Louie Barry is set for a prolonged period on the sidelines, according to Birmingham Live.
The Aston Villa loanee has been in electric form this season, hitting nine goals in 15 League Two appearances. Alongside striker Isaac Olaofe, the pair have fired the Hatters to the top of the table as they chase a third league title in six seasons.
With nine wins on the bounce, Dave Challinor’s side are two points clear of second-placed Notts County and host relegation-threatened Tranmere Rovers on Saturday. However, they will search for their tenth successive league win without the services of September’s League Two Player of the Month.
The 20-year-old – who scored in seven games in a row between August and September – was withdrawn midway through the first half in the 2-0 win over Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday night, with it now revealed that he has torn his hamstring.
According to the Birmingham Live’s report, this means that the former Barcelona youngster now faces several months on the injury table in what will be devestating news for the attacker. Barry is in the midst of his most lucrative season of his fledgling career after several previous loan stints at the likes of Ipswich Town, Swindon Town, MK Dons and Salford City.
Surgery will be required to fix the issue after initial scan results revealed the tear. It is unclear at this stage whether he will return to Aston Villa for his recovery, with Stockport yet to make an announcement on the situation.
Writer’s View
This is undoubtedly a huge blow for both Stockport County and the player himself, who will have been confident of continuing his run of good form. Barry is in the final year of his contract at Aston Villa and he will be desperate to secure an extension, although this latest setback will not aid the situation.
The Hatters will be confident they can cope with his absence, particularly due to the goals of striker Olaofe. However, Challinor will be keen to see the youngster return before the end of the campaign in order to help get their promotion bid over the line.
